- 1 [countable] a theatre performance, especially one that includes singing and dancing to go to a show a one-woman/-man show to put on/stage a show She's the star of the show! see also floor show, roadshow Oxford Collocations Dictionary adjectivecabaret, comedy, magic, … prepositionfrom a/the show, in a/the show See full entry
- 2 [countable] a programme on television or the radio to host a show a TV/radio show a quiz show CollocationsTelevisionWatching watch television/TV/a show/(British English) a programme/(North American English) a program/a documentary/a pilot/a rerun/a repeat see (especially British English) an ad/(especially North American English) a commercial/the news/the weather catch/miss a show/a programme/a program/an episode/the news pick up/reach for/grab the remote (control) change/switch channel surf (through)/ (especially North American English) flip through/ (especially British English) flick through the channels sit in front of/switch on/switch off/turn on/turn off the television/the TV/the TV set have/install satellite (TV)/cable (TV)/a satellite dishShowing show a programme/a documentary/an ad/a commercial screen a programme/a documentary run an ad/a commercial broadcast/ (especially North American English) air/repeat a show/a programme/a documentary/an episode/a series go out/air/be recorded live attract/draw (in)/pull (in) viewers be a hit with viewers/audiences/critics get (low/high) ratingsAppearing be on/appear on television/TV/a TV show take part in a phone-in/a game show/a quiz show/a reality TV show host a show/a programme/series/a game show/a quiz show/a talk show/(British English) a chat show be/become/work as a/an (British English) TV presenter/talk-show host/sports commentator/anchorman/(British English) newsreader read/present the news appear/perform live (on TV)Programme-making do/film/make a show/a programme/a documentary/an episode/a pilot/a series/an ad/a commercial work on a soap (opera)/a pilot (episode)/a sitcom write/produce a drama/sitcom/spin-off/comedy series see also chat show, game show, roadshow, talk show Oxford Collocations Dictionary adjectivelive, recorded, family, … verb + showsee, watch, host, … show + verbfeature somebody/something, star somebody show + nounbusiness prepositionfrom a/the show, on a/the show phrasesthe star of the show See full entry See related entries: Radio broadcasting
- 3[countable] (North American English, informal) a concert, especially of rock music My first full-scale rock show was Fleetwood Mac, Madison Square Garden, back in 1977. See related entries: The art world of collection of things
- 4 [countable, uncountable] an occasion when a collection of things are brought together for people to look at an agricultural show The latest computers will be on show at the exhibition. A local artist is holding a show of her recent work. see also fashion show, peep show Oxford Collocations Dictionary adjectivebig, major, annual, … verb + showhave, hold, organize, … show + verbfeature somebody/something show + nounring prepositionat a/the show, on show See full entry of feeling
- 5[countable] an action or a way of behaving that shows how you feel synonym display a show of emotion a show of support a show of force/strength by the army Oxford Collocations Dictionary adjectivebig, great, brave, … verb + showmake, put on prepositionfor show, show of phrasesa show of force, a show of strength See full entry insincere act
- 6[uncountable, singular] something that is done only to give a good impression, but is not sincere He may seem charming, but it's all show! She pretends to be interested in opera, but it's only for show. He made a great show of affection, but I knew he didn't mean it. Oxford Collocations Dictionary adjectivebig, great, brave, … verb + showmake, put on prepositionfor show, show of phrasesa show of force, a show of strength See full entry colourful sight
- 7[countable, uncountable] a brightly coloured or pleasing sight synonym display a lovely show of spring flowers event/situation
- 8[singular] (informal) an event, a business or a situation where something is being done or organized She runs the whole show. I won't interfere—it's your show. good/poor show
- 9[countable, usually singular] (informal, especially British English) something that is done in a particular way The team put on a good show in the competition. It's a poor show if he forgets your birthday. Word OriginOld English scēawian ‘look at, inspect’, from a West Germanic base meaning ‘look’; related to Dutch schouwen and German schauen.Extra examples Did you see the Late Show? Did you see the Graham Norton Show last night? He made a great show of welcoming us. He shouts a lot but it’s all show. I saw her on a chat show yesterday. I watched the original show as a kid. She finally got her own TV show. She pretends to be interested in opera, but it’s only for show. The Democrats organized a show of strength, a mass rally in Central Park. The dog was the real star of the show. The paintings are on show until April. The show features the work of local artists. There were more than 500 exhibitors at the trade show. They are holding a big fashion show at the Hilton tonight. a character from the show a hit TV show a hot new dating show a live show featuring the best of Irish talent a nationally syndicated radio show a pro bodybuilding show in California a radio phone-in/call-in show a spectacular light show late-night talk shows one of the acts in the show the Emmy award-winning television talk show the Super Bowl half-time show A show of force by 4 000 soldiers led to an agreement being reached quickly. Have you seen that new TV quiz show? He hosts a late-night radio show. He was completely unmoved by her little show of temper. My first full-scale rock show was Fleetwood Mac, Madison Square Gardens, back in 1977. She made a great show of wanting to leave, but I knew she didn’t mean it. She was afraid that too demonstrative a show of gratitude might be misinterpreted. The company is seeking to rally a big show of support for the project. The first couple of days at the Paris fashion shows are always a thrill. The latest technology will be on show at the trade fair. They hold an agricultural show once a year. This one-man show had the audience falling about with laughter. What time is that show on? a talk showIdioms
entertainment
(North American English, informal, disapproving) an event that is planned only in order to impress people so that they will support or buy something the dog and pony show of his visits to the war zone a dog and pony show to sell the idea to investors intended to be seen but not used These items are just for show—they're not for sale.
(informal) to start an activity or a journey Let's get this show on the road!
(old-fashioned, British English, informal) used to show you like something or to say that somebody has done something well
a group of people each raising a hand to vote for or against something The vote was passed by a show of hands. Let’s have a show of hands. Who’s in favour of the proposal?
[no passive] to attract more attention and praise than other people in a particular situation As always, the children stole the show. British bands stole the show at this year’s awards.
Check pronunciation: show
