2show noun
plural shows 1 [count] a : a performance in a theater that usually includes singing and dancing
▪ We saw a show last night. = We went to a show last night. ▪ a Broadway/musical show ▪ She was the star of the show.
b : a public performance that is intended to entertain people
▪ a one-woman comedy show ▪ a puppet show ▪ The band always puts on a good show. — sometimes used figuratively ▪ The team put on a poor show [=played poorly] in the second half. — see also floor show, horror show, ice show, peep show, punch-and-judy show, road show, sideshow 2 [count] : a television or radio program
▪ my favorite (TV) show — see also game show, quiz show, talk show 3 [count] : an event at which things of the same kind are put on display for people to look at or buy
▪ an agricultural show ▪ fashion/auto/boat shows ▪ a show of his early paintings — see also trade show 4 [singular] a : an action, performance, etc., which clearly shows an ability, feeling, quality, etc. — usually + of ▪ a show of the country's great military strength ▪ a remarkable show of generosity ▪ All of the students signed the petition in a show of unity/solidarity with their classmate.
b : an event at which something is done or shown to impress or entertain people — usually + of ▪ a spectacular show of fireworks 5 disapproving : an act of pretending to feel a particular way : an act of behaving a certain way in order to make others like or approve of you [count] — usually singular — usually + of ▪ He made a great show of friendship. ▪ She put on a big show of sympathy, but she really didn't care about his troubles. [noncount] ▪ Her friendliness is all show. [=she does not truly have friendly feelings toward others] 6 [singular] : an event, business, etc., and all of the activities that are involved in its success
▪ The new president tried to run the whole show [=be in charge of everything] himself. ▪ A new manager is running the show. 7 [count] : a competition at which animals of the same kind are judged against one another
▪ a dog show ▪ They have two show dogs. [=dogs that compete in dog shows] — see also horse show
▪ We saw a show last night. = We went to a show last night. ▪ a Broadway/musical show ▪ She was the star of the show.
b : a public performance that is intended to entertain people
▪ a one-woman comedy show ▪ a puppet show ▪ The band always puts on a good show. — sometimes used figuratively ▪ The team put on a poor show [=played poorly] in the second half. — see also floor show, horror show, ice show, peep show, punch-and-judy show, road show, sideshow
▪ my favorite (TV) show — see also game show, quiz show, talk show
▪ an agricultural show ▪ fashion/auto/boat shows ▪ a show of his early paintings — see also trade show
b : an event at which something is done or shown to impress or entertain people — usually + of ▪ a spectacular show of fireworks
▪ The new president tried to run the whole show [=be in charge of everything] himself. ▪ A new manager is running the show.
▪ a dog show ▪ They have two show dogs. [=dogs that compete in dog shows] — see also horse show
a show of hands
: an occurrence in which people put a hand in the air to indicate that they want something, agree with something, etc.
▪ Let me see a show of hands: how many people want a piece of cake?
▪ Let me see a show of hands: how many people want a piece of cake?
dog and pony show — see 1dog
for show 1 : intended to be seen but not used or bought
▪ We're not supposed to eat the fruit on the table. It's just for show. [=it's just being used as decoration] 2 : done in order to make others like or approve of you
▪ He says he enjoys classical music, but it's only for show. [=he pretends to like classical music]
▪ We're not supposed to eat the fruit on the table. It's just for show. [=it's just being used as decoration]
▪ He says he enjoys classical music, but it's only for show. [=he pretends to like classical music]
get the/this show on the road
informal : to begin an activity or journey
▪ Everyone ready? OK, let's get this show on the road!
▪ Everyone ready? OK, let's get this show on the road!
on show
: put somewhere for people to see
▪ Her paintings are on show [=on display] at the art gallery. ▪ The artifacts will be put on show in the museum. ▪ His work goes on show tomorrow.
▪ Her paintings are on show [=on display] at the art gallery. ▪ The artifacts will be put on show in the museum. ▪ His work goes on show tomorrow.
the show must go on
informal — used to say that a performance, event, etc., must continue even though there are problems
