displays; displayed; displaying
1
: to put (something) where people can see it
Students displayed their projects at the science fair.
The results are displayed [=shown] on the computer screen.
Toys were displayed in the store window.
Her awards are prominently/proudly displayed on the mantel.
The museum displays relics found during the excavation of the site.
—sometimes used figurativelyThe tree displays pretty pink flowers in the spring.
2
: to show that you have (an emotion, quality, skill, etc.)
He displayed no emotion when I told him the news.
I was impressed by the care she displayed in making the flower arrangements.
The children displayed [=exhibited] no interest in learning how to play the piano.
The rookie player displayed great skill.
The company has displayed exceptional dedication to this community.
plural displays
1
: an arrangement of objects intended to decorate, advertise, entertain, or inform people about something
Each table had a beautiful display of flowers. = Each table had a beautiful flower display.
the bookstore's display of dictionaries = the bookstore's dictionary display
The library's current display features locally made crafts.
There is a display [=exhibit, exhibition] of his early paintings at the museum.
Her trophies are in a display case/cabinet.
a store's window display [=a display of products shown in a store's window]
2
: an event at which something is done or shown to impress or entertain people
The celebration ended with a spectacular fireworks display.
3
: an action, performance, etc., which shows very clearly that you have some ability, feeling, quality, etc.
—usually + of
a display of anger
In a remarkable display of generosity, the students gave the money they had raised for the class trip to their sick classmate.
the soccer player's impressive display of footwork
shocking displays of wealth in a country of extreme poverty
He disapproved of their public displays of affection. [=hugging, kissing, etc., in public]
4
: an electronic device (such as a computer monitor) that shows information
The computer comes with a high-resolution color display.
The display showed an error message.
a calculator's display screen
5
biology
: a way of behaving that a bird or animal uses to show another bird or animal that it wants to mate, fight, etc.
courtship/threat displays
Cite this Entry
“Display.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/display. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.
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