unveil
Americanverb (used with object)
verb (used without object)
verb
-
(tr) to remove the cover or shroud from, esp in the ceremonial unveiling of a monument, etc
-
to remove the veil from (one's own or another person's face)
-
(tr) to make (something secret or concealed) known or public; divulge; reveal
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
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The initial plan was to unveil their first joint product this year, but that announcement has been pushed into 2026.
From Los Angeles Times
The government will unveil a reference price for PIA later on Wednesday and then announce a winner if the minimum is met.
From Barron's
The installation, unveiled on the Phoenix convention floor, recreated the site of Kirk’s death and quickly became a focal point for attendees, some of whom posed for photos and selfies inside the exhibit.
From Salon
When the Buzz was unveiled in 2022, it marked a high point in the excitement surrounding electric vehicles.
The Energy Department in October unveiled a national strategy to accelerate the development of fusion.
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
