What does show mean?
Show is a highly versatile English word used for making something visible, indicating or proving something, performing for an audience, and appearing on television or radio. As a verb, it can describe displaying an object, revealing information, demonstrating a result, or presenting a performance: the evidence shows a clear improvement, and the play shows the central character changing over time. As a noun, a show may be a theatrical performance, an exhibition, a television program, or evidence of a particular quality or condition. The word is also part of familiar expressions such as show up and show off, where it takes on slightly more specific meanings. Its usefulness lies in its ability to connect the act of making something apparent with the impression given to others. Whether something is displayed, explained, performed, or revealed, show describes presenting what would otherwise remain hidden or uncertain.
To make something visible or apparent; to indicate, reveal, demonstrate, or perform something.
"The results show that the treatment is effective."
Show can be transitive or intransitive, and it is common in both conversation and formal writing.
A performance, exhibition, or broadcast program; also an indication or evidence of something.
"The show combined live music with striking visual design."
When used for an exhibition or display, the noun often suggests something intended to be viewed or admired.
The plural is used for separate performances, programs, exhibitions, or displays.
"The theatre puts on several shows each week."
From the stage to the screen, a show is something you watch—and something you make visible.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does show come from?
Show developed from Old English sċāwian, meaning “to look at, see, or show,” through the Middle English forms showen and showe. It belongs to the Germanic family of words connected with seeing and appearing, with cognates in forms of German schauen and Dutch schouwen. The modern verb and noun developed from the same root, while the spelling show became established during the early modern period.
Related word forms
How show is actually used
Show is broadly neutral in register and can range from simple everyday statements to formal writing. The phrasal verb show up is especially common in informal speech, while show off generally has a negative connotation, suggesting a desire to attract attention.
Easily confused with show
Show is pronounced /ʃoʊ/ or /ʃəʊ/, whereas shoe is pronounced /ʃuː/.