unveil

American  

[uhn-veyl] / ʌnˈveɪl /

verb (used with object)

1. to remove a veil or other covering from; display; reveal.

   The woman unveiled herself.

2. to reveal or disclose by or as if by removing a veil or covering.

   to unveil a monument; to unveil a secret; to unveil a truth.

   Synonyms:

   expose, broadcast, bare, divulge

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verb (used without object)

1. to become revealed by or as if by removing a veil.

unveil British  

/ ʌnˈveɪl /

verb

1. (tr) to remove the cover or shroud from, esp in the ceremonial unveiling of a monument, etc

2. to remove the veil from (one's own or another person's face)

3. (tr) to make (something secret or concealed) known or public; divulge; reveal

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Usage

What does unveil mean? Unveil means to reveal or uncover something. This can be literal, such as by taking a veil or other physical covering off of something, as in The sculptor tugged the sheet away to unveil her masterpiece.  It can also be used figuratively—often in a way that likens the action to physically uncovering something. In this sense, it can mean to present something publicly for the first time, as in They plan to unveil the new model at the convention next month. Or it can mean to uncover something that has been kept secret or hidden, as in Her investigative reporting unveiled a conspiracy. Things that have been revealed can be described with the adjective unveiled, as in Here are the first photos of the newly unveiled design concept. The noun unveiling can refer to an event where this happens, or the act of doing it, as in The plans will be revealed at the big unveiling next week. Example: The company unveiled its new phone design last week after months of speculation.

Etymology

Origin of unveil

First recorded in 1590–1600; un- ² + veil

Explanation

Unveil is a dramatic verb we use when we uncover or reveal something for the first time, often in front of a large gathering or as part of a publicity campaign. A city's mayor might unveil a new monument by removing an actual veil (cloth covering) from it. This is often done with great flourish and accompanied by a drum roll. In a more metaphorical sense, a software company might unveil — that is, publicly announce — a new video game or business application.

Example Sentences

Unveil it, and you will have material for a summer blockbuster.

From New York Times • Jun. 11, 2012

September 20 Yankees Unveil Steinbrenner’s Monument Just over two months since his death, George Steinbrenner's monument was unveiled in Monument Park, the seventh such Yankee honored.

From New York Times • Sep. 21, 2010

Unveil the Grail and do thine office now!

From Parsifal A Mystical Drama By Richard Wagner Retold In The Spirit Of The Bayreuth Interpretation by Huckel, Oliver

Spirit that I invoked, thou near me art, Unveil thyself!

From Faust; a Tragedy, Translated from the German of Goethe by Brooks, Charles Timothy

Unveil the woman; I would view the face, That warmed our Mufti's zeal: These pious parrots peck the fairest fruit: Such tasters are for kings.

From The works of John Dryden, now first collected in eighteen volumes. Volume 07 by Scott, Walter, Sir

Related Words

• disclose
• display
• open
• tell