show-off

1 of 2

noun

ˈshō-ˌȯf How to pronounce show-off (audio)
Synonyms of show-offnext
often attributive
1
: the act of showing off
2
: one that shows off : exhibitionist
show-offy
ˈshō-ˌȯ-fē How to pronounce show-off (audio)
adjective

show off

2 of 2

verb

showed off; shown off or showed off; showing off; shows off

transitive verb

: to display proudly
wanted to show our new car off

intransitive verb

: to seek to attract attention by conspicuous behavior
boys showing off for the girls

Synonyms of show-off

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Verb

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of show-off in a Sentence

Verb the athletes warmed up, happily showing off for the crowd before the match officially started she just wants to show off her new jewelry
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Ross, then a young writer at The New Yorker, records all the wild show-off talk and Huston’s battles with the studio. — The Week Us, TheWeek, 13 Aug. 2026 Sam got a little cocky, tried a show-off spin, got his bird legs tangled and took a tumble. — Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 6 June 2026
Verb
Inside the cafeteria, a wide-eyed crowd has gathered around a teacher showing off a magic trick. — Julie Bourdin, NPR, 25 Oct. 2026 The actress showed off the sleek layer’s versatility, pairing one style with cozy sweats at the airport and another with an elegant slip dress at Paris Fashion Week. — Melony Forcier, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for show-off

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1776, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1750, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of show-off was in 1750

Rhymes for show-off

See All Rhymes for show-off

Browse Nearby Words

show no sign/signs of
show-off
show off
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Show-off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/show-off. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

show-off

1 of 2 noun
ˈshō-ˌȯf
1
: the act of showing off
2
: a person who shows off

show off

2 of 2 verb
(ˈ)shō-ˈȯf
1
: to display proudly
2
: to try to attract attention by conspicuous behavior
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