display

American  

[dih-spley] / dɪˈspleɪ /

verb (used with object)

1. to show or exhibit; make visible.

   to display a sign.

   Antonyms:

   conceal

2. to reveal; betray.

   to display fear.

   Antonyms:

   conceal

3. to unfold; open out; spread out.

   to display a sail.

4. to show ostentatiously; flaunt.

   Synonyms:

   air, parade, flourish

5. Printing. to give special prominence to (words, captions, etc.) by choice, size, and arrangement of type.

6. Digital Technology. to output (data) on a screen.

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verb (used without object)

1. (of animals) to engage in a stereotyped behavior that conveys information to individuals of the same or another species.

noun

1. an act or instance of displaying; exhibition.

   a display of courage.

2. an ostentatious show.

   a vulgar display of wealth.

3. Printing.

   1. the giving of prominence to particular words, sentences, etc., by the choice, size, and arrangement of types and position, as in an advertisement, headline, or news story.

   2. printed matter thus displayed.

4. an arrangement, as of merchandise, art objects, or flowers, designed to please the eye, attract buyers, etc.

5. Digital Technology.

   1. the visual representation of the output of an electronic device.

   2. the portion of an electronic device that shows this representation, as a screen, lens, or reticle.

6. Animal Behavior.

   1. a pattern of behavior, as posturing, calling, or exposing a color patch, that conveys information to individuals of the same or another species.

      a threat display.

   2. an instance of such behavior.

display British  

/ dɪˈspleɪ /

verb

1. (tr) to show or make visible

2. (tr) to disclose or make evident; reveal

   to display anger

3. (tr) to flaunt in an ostentatious way

   to display military might

4. (tr) to spread or open out; unfurl or unfold

5. (tr) to give prominence to (headings, captions, etc) by the use of certain typefaces

6. (intr) zoology to engage in a display

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noun

1. the act of exhibiting or displaying; show

   a display of fear

2. something exhibited or displayed

3. an ostentatious or pretentious exhibition

   a display of his accomplishments

4. 1. an arrangement of certain typefaces to give prominence to headings, captions, advertisements, etc

   2. printed matter that is eye-catching

5. electronics

   1. a device capable of representing information visually, as on a cathode-ray tube screen

   2. the information so presented

6. zoology a pattern of behaviour in birds, fishes, etc, by which the animal attracts attention while it is courting the female, defending its territory, etc

7. (modifier) relating to or using typefaces that give prominence to the words they are used to set

Usage

What does display mean? To display is to make visible or show to others, as in Francis’s teacher displayed his homework on the “Good Job!” board. A display is an arrangement or showing, as in The art display included paintings and sketches by the famous artist. To display can also mean to reveal or betray, as when you display your feelings with the look on your face. Less commonly, to display means to unfold or spread out, the way a sail does in the wind. Example: We bought the display model so we ended up saving a few dollars.

Related Words

Display, evince, exhibit, manifest mean to show or bring to the attention of another or others. To display is literally to spread something out so that it may be most completely and favorably seen: to display goods for sale. To exhibit is to display something in a show: to exhibit the best flowers. They may both be used for showing (off ) one's qualities or feelings: He displayed his wit. He exhibited great surprise. To evince and to manifest also mean to show feelings or qualities: to evince or manifest surprise, interest.

Other Word Forms

• displayer noun
• predisplay noun
• redisplay verb (used with object)
• self-display noun
• undisplaying adjective

Etymology

Origin of display

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English desplayen, displayen, from Anglo-French, Old French despleier, desplier, desploier, from Late Latin displicāre “to unfold”; see origin at dis- ¹, -fold

Explanation

When you display something, you show everyone. If you run up to someone in the street, throw your arms around her, and plant a big kiss on her face, you're displaying your affection for all the world to see. Besides public displays of emotion, a display can also be common and lifeless. Department store windows often have elaborate displays of the latest fashions, and your computer screen can also be called a display. If you’re especially proud of your butterfly collection, you can put it on display in your office. When showing off for the ladies, peacocks fan out their colorful tail feathers, and that, too, is called a display — a word for male animal courtship behavior.

Example Sentences

"This beautiful diamond is currently on display in the Tower of London," the party's home affairs spokesman Zia Yusuf said in an X post.

From Barron's • Apr. 30, 2026

Designer Lara Hovanessian has transformed the foyer walls of both the first and second floors into a striking display for local artists Blakeney, Susanna Speirs Ali and Lareina Holsopple.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 29, 2026

The app will display pricing that includes all taxes and fees, the company said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 29, 2026

Instead of a single point of light, it shows up five separate times, creating a striking cosmic display caused by gravitational lensing.

From Science Daily • Apr. 29, 2026

From a quick scan of the room, Clara caught sight of more sheydim, their birdlike feet on full display, and creatures shuffling through the crowd, some she couldn’t identify.

From "Night Owls" by A.R. Vishny

Related Words

• advertise
• boast
• demonstrate
• disclose
• emblazon
• exhibit
• expose
• feature
• flash
• flaunt
• illustrate
• open
• perform
• present
• promote
• publish
• represent
• reveal
• unveil