show-off

1 of 2

noun

often attributive
1
: the act of showing off
2
: one that shows off : exhibitionist
show-offy 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

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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Noun
Brighton Beach can be a relentless show-off that way, your feelings be damned. Rachel Sonis, TIME, 18 Oct. 2024 Every single day, the full sun is, like, in full show-off mode and gets swallowed up by the sea. Cnt Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Apr. 2023
Verb
That is good news for the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), which puts on a spectacular show every fall to show off unique builds and trimmings that range from mild to wild. Kristin Shaw, Popular Science, 6 Nov. 2024 The set creates three gingerbread figurines that are completely customizable, so everyone can show off their creativity. Clara McMahon, People.com, 5 Nov. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near show-off

Cite this Entry

“Show-off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/show-off. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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