Definition of: show

(shō) v. showed, shown or showed, show·ing v.t.
1. To cause or permit to be seen; present to view; exhibit; manifest; display.
2. To give in a marked or open manner; confer; bestow: to show favor.
3. To cause or allow (something) to be understood or known; explain; reveal; tell.
4. To cause (someone) to understand or see; explain something to; convince; teach.
5. Law To advance an allegation; plead: to show cause.
6. To make evident by logical process; prove; demonstrate.
7. To guide; lead; introduce, as into a room or building: with in or up: to show a caller in.
8. To indicate: The thermometer shows the temperature.
9. To enter in a show or exhibition.
—v.i.
10. To become visible or known; be manifested or displayed.
11. To appear; seem.
12. To make one's or its appearance; be present.
13. Colloq. To give a theatrical performance; appear: to show in Newark.
14. Colloq. In racing, to be the third (horse, dog, etc.) to finish in a race.
—to show off
1. To exhibit proudly or ostentatiously.
2. To make an ostentatious display of oneself, or of one's accomplishments.
—to show up
1. To expose or be exposed, as faults.
2. To be evident or prominent.
3. To attend; arrive; make an appearance.
4. Colloq. To be better than.
—noun
1. That which is shown; a public spectacle; a theatrical performance, circus, or motion picture; exhibition.
2. The act of showing; specifically, display; parade.
3. Pretense; semblance.
4. That which shows; an indication; promise; specifically, a sign of precious metal in a mine: a show of ore.
5. Colloq. An opportunity or chance.
6. U.S. Colloq. The third place in a race.
—the whole show The center of interest or notice. [OE scēawian]