Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English homepage

show

2 noun
     
show2 S1 W1
1

performance

[countable] a performance for the public, especially one that includes singing, dancing, or jokes:
I enjoyed the show immensely.
The show starts at 7:30 pm.
They've come to town to see a Broadway show.
Perry was the star of the show.
 ➔ floor show, roadshow
2

tv/radio

[countable] a programme on television or on the radio:
a television quiz show (=a show in which people compete to answer questions)
The senator appeared on the CBS show 'Face the Nation'.
Presenter Fiona Harper will be hosting the show (=introducing guests).
 ➔ chat show, game show, talk show
3

collection of things to see

[countable] an occasion when a lot of similar things are brought together in one place so that people can come and look at them:
the Paris Boat Show
a fashion show for charity
Kelly has a show of her latest work opening shortly.
4

on show

being shown to the public:
Paintings by Matisse are on show at the New York Gallery.
The designer clothes will go on show in Chicago next month.
Local antiques will be put on show in a new building especially built for the collection.
5

a show of something

an occasion when someone deliberately shows a particular feeling, attitude, or quality:
I felt I should make a show of dignity.
The award will be seen as a show of support.
show of strength/force
a strong and determined show of force by the police
6

pretended act

[singular, uncountable] when you pretend to do or feel something [= pretence]
show of
a show of gratitude
Susan put on a show of regret all day.
The waiter made a show of wiping the table.
7

for show

with the purpose of looking attractive or impressive rather than being useful:
He does actually play his guitar - it's not just for show.
8

colourful scene

[singular] an impressive scene, especially one that is very colourful
show of
a glorious show of colour in the rose garden
Maple trees put on their best show in the autumn.
9

competition

[countable] a competition between similar things or animals to choose the best:
The dog show was being held in the Agricultural Hall.
10

event/situation

[singular] informal something which is being done or organized:
We need to find someone to run the show (=be in charge).
11

put up a good/poor etc show

informal to perform, play etc well or badly:
Our team put up a pretty good show, but we lost in the end.
12

let's get this show on the road

spoken used to tell people it is time to start working or start a journey
13

(jolly) good show

British English old-fashioned spoken used to express your approval of something

➔ steal the show

at steal1 (4)
Definition from the Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
Advanced Learner's Dictionary.

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