show of hands

noun

1. an indication of approval, disapproval, volunteering, etc., on the part of a group of people, usually made by each assenting person raising a hand.

show of hands

noun

1. the raising of hands to indicate voting for or against a proposition

Word History and Origins

Origin of show of hands¹

First recorded in 1740–50

Idioms and Phrases

An informal vote made by participants holding up one hand each to indicate a choice, as in Let's have a show of hands—how many want the next meeting on a Sunday? [Late 1700s]

Related Words

• ballot 
• choice 
• majority 
• poll 
• referendum 
• tally