- 1[countable] a theater 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 floor show, road show
- 2[countable] a program on television or the radio to host a show a TV/radio show a quiz show Topic CollocationsTelevisionwatching
- watch television/TV/a show/a program/a documentary/a pilot/a rerun/a repeat
- see an ad/a commercial/the news/the weather
- catch/miss a show/a program/an episode/the news
- pick up/reach for/grab/lose the remote (control)
- change channels
- surf (through)/flip through the channels
- sit in front of/turn on/turn off the television/the TV/the TV set
- have/install satellite (TV)/cable (TV)/a satellite dish
- show a program/a documentary/an ad/a commercial/a prime-time sitcom/drama
- run an ad/a commercial/a movie
- broadcast/air/repeat a show/a program/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) ratings
- be on/appear on television/TV/a TV show
- take part in a call-in/a game show/a quiz show/a reality TV show
- host a show/a program/a series/a game show/a quiz show/a (late-night/daytime) talk show
- be/become/work as a talk-show host/sports commentator/news anchor
- present the news
- appear/perform live (on TV)
- do/film/make a show/a program/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
of collection of things - 3[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 fashion show, fashion show, peep show of feeling
- 4[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. insincere act
- 5[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. colorful sight
- 6[countable, uncountable] a brightly colored or pleasing sight synonym display a lovely show of spring flowers event/situation
- 7[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.
- 8[countable, usually singular] (informal) something that is done in a particular way The team put on a good show in the competition. Idioms
entertainment
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.
to start an activity or a journey Let's get this show on the road!
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 favor of the proposal?
to attract more attention and praise than other people in a particular situation As always, the children stole the show. British and Australian actors stole the show at this year's awards.
Check pronunciation: show