display

[ dih-spley ]

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.

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

/ 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

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

Derived Forms

• disˈplayer, noun

Other Words From

• dis·player noun
• predis·play noun verb (used with object)
• redis·play verb (used with object)
• self-dis·play noun
• undis·playing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of display¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of display¹

C14: from Anglo-French despleier to unfold, from Late Latin displicāre to scatter, from dis- ¹+ plicāre to fold

Synonym Study

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.

Example Sentences

Her BBC One concert will bookend the traditional fireworks display from London at midnight.

From BBC

We’re really hoping that whoever buys it agrees to display it at Dodger Stadium for some time so everybody can see it.

From Los Angeles Times

Hegseth recalled Doe displaying early signs of regret following the incident and that she said she would tell her husband she fell asleep on a couch in another hotel room, according to the report.

From Los Angeles Times

Mack displayed unselfishness in the first half with a lob to forward William Kyle III for a thunderous dunk that enlivened the crowd.

From Los Angeles Times

In 2023, a South Korean art student helped himself when the installation went on display at Seoul's Leeum Museum of Art.

From BBC

Related Words

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

More About Display

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.

Where does display come from?

The first records of the term display come from the 1300s. It comes from the Late Latin displicāre, meaning “to unfold.” When something is unfolded, the inside of it is put on display.

In digital technology, the term display refers to a screen that shows the image produced by the machine. For example, smartphones, vehicles, and handheld cameras all have an internal display that displays images. This means the screen is built into the device. Devices like desktop computers, cable boxes, and gaming systems all rely on an external display such as a television or monitor to display their visuals.

Did you know … ?

What are some other forms related to display?

• displayer (noun)
• predisplay (noun, verb)
• redisplay (verb)
• self-display (noun)

What are some synonyms for display?

• act
• array
• parade
• advertise
• demonstrate

What are some words that share a root or word element with display?

• display ad
• displayed
• display type

What are some words that often get used in discussing display?

• LED
• model
• refresh
• resolution

How is display used in real life?

Display is a common word with several meanings.

Poster Prints displaying nine striking paintings of the Tyne bridge, Holy Island, Transporter Bridge, Durham Cathedral, Angel of the North, St Mary's Lighthouse, Blyth Beach Huts, Bamburgh Castle and Penshaw Monument – https://t.co/y5Qii328JX #nefollowers #newcastle #gifts pic.twitter.com/bjUEl7cQpx

— Emily Ward (@emilywardartist) December 21, 2021

How the hell are Australia doing this with 13 men.. Best defensive display we've seen #RWC2015

— Niall Horan (@NiallOfficial) October 10, 2015

Maybe nothing. It's just me prototyping a little bit how the different tasks will be displayed on the user's dashboard. This is just ONE VIEW of 1-DAY planning. It should show the tasks, their labels and their priorities. And there is more to come 🔥🔨#buildinpublic pic.twitter.com/NIcH6cB0Sv

— 𝗔𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗲 • 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗲 𝗛𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗲𝗿 ⚡ (@TheAmineAouragh) December 21, 2021

 

Try using display!

Which of the following is NOT a synonym for display?

A. exhibit
B. demonstration
C. concealment
D. presentation

When To Use

What are other ways to say display?

A display is an exhibition or, sometimes, an ostentatious show. When should you use display instead of show, ostentation, or pomp? Find out on Thesaurus.com.