exhibit

1 of 2

verb

ex·​hib·​it ig-ˈzi-bət 

exhibited; exhibiting; exhibits

transitive verb

1

: to submit (something, such as a document) to a court or officer in course of proceedings

also : to present or offer officially or in legal form

2

: to present to view: such as

a

: to show or display outwardly especially by visible signs or actions

exhibited no fear

b

: to have as a readily discernible quality or feature

… doesn't seem to be exhibiting the same authenticity …

—Rob Walton

c

: to show publicly especially for purposes of competition or demonstration

exhibit a collection of artifacts

intransitive verb

: to display something for public inspection

exhibitive

ig-ˈzi-bə-tiv 

adjective

exhibitor

ig-ˈzi-bə-tər 

noun

exhibitory

ig-ˈzi-bə-ˌtȯr-ē 

adjective

exhibit

2 of 2

noun

1

: a document or material object produced and identified in court or before an examiner for use as evidence

2

: something exhibited

3

: an act or instance of exhibiting : exhibition

Synonyms of exhibit

Verb

• display
• show
• unveil

Noun

• exhibition
• display

Choose the Right Synonym for exhibit

show, exhibit, display, expose, parade, flaunt mean to present so as to invite notice or attention.

show implies no more than enabling another to see or examine.

showed her snapshots to the whole group

exhibit stresses putting forward prominently or openly.

exhibit paintings at a gallery

display emphasizes putting in a position where others may see to advantage.

display sale items

expose suggests bringing forth from concealment and displaying.

sought to expose the hypocrisy of the town fathers

parade implies an ostentatious or arrogant displaying.

parading their piety for all to see

flaunt suggests a shameless, boastful, often offensive parading.

nouveaux riches flaunting their wealth

Examples of exhibit in a Sentence

Verb

They will be exhibiting a collection of paintings.

He proudly exhibited his trophy.

He first exhibited an interest in music when he was very young.

The patient exhibited signs of the disease.

Noun

The show includes dozens of interesting exhibits.

Have you seen the new photography exhibit?

introduced the weapons into evidence as exhibits A and B

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

That included a bronze octagonal mirror decorated with flowers and birds, a gold hairpin, and a gold comb exhibiting rich detail-work with filigree and granulation. —Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 12 Jan. 2026

An ex-trader explained that if bettors exhibited potential signs of compulsive gambling, such as frenetically emptying and refilling their account balance, the trader would check if RG wanted to reach out to make sure the customer was OK. —Vanity Fair, 12 Jan. 2026

Noun

The project introduces new exhibit spaces, a live performance venue for up to 1,000 people, and indoor-outdoor community spaces that connect to Lake Erie, plus an ADA-accessible park. —Taryn Shorr-McKee, Midwest Living, 11 Jan. 2026

The exhibit opens with some of the most atypical elements — selections of realia from Goff’s extensive personal collections. —Edward Keegan, Chicago Tribune, 11 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English, from Latin exhibitus, past participle of exhibēre, from ex- + habēre to have, hold — more at give

First Known Use

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun

1626, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing exhibit

• on exhibit

Rhymes for exhibit

• inhibit
• prohibit
• gibbet
• thibet

Kids Definition

exhibit

1 of 2 verb

ex·​hib·​it ig-ˈzib-ət 

1

: to show by outward signs : reveal

exhibit an interest in music

2

: to put on display

exhibit a collection of paintings

exhibitor

-ət-ər 

noun

exhibit

2 of 2 noun

1

: an article or a collection shown in an exhibition

2

: an article presented as evidence in a court of law

Legal Definition

exhibit

1 of 2 transitive verb

ex·​hib·​it

1

: to submit (as a document) to a court or officer in the course of proceedings

also : to present or offer officially or in legal form

2

: to present to view or display outwardly

exhibitor noun

exhibit

2 of 2 noun

1

a

: a document or object produced and identified in court as evidence

b

: a document labeled with an identifying mark (as a number or letter) and appended to a writing (as a brief) to which it is relevant

2

: something exhibited

3

: an act or instance of exhibiting