show-off

[ shoh-awf, -of ]

/ ˈʃoʊˌɔf, -ˌɒf /

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See synonyms for show-off on Thesaurus.com

noun

a person given to pretentious display.

the act of showing off.

OTHER WORDS FOR show-off

1 exhibitionist, braggart.

See synonyms for show-off on Thesaurus.com

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Also showoff .

Origin of show-off

First recorded in 1770–80; noun use of verb phrase show off

OTHER WORDS FROM show-off

show-offish, adjective

Words nearby show-off

showman, showmanship, show-me, Show Me State, shown, show-off, show of hands, show one's colors, show one's face, show one's hand, show one's heels

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use show-off in a sentence

Policemen on the show joke about prison riots, bomb threats, and the shooting of unarmed civilians.
'Babylon' Review: The Dumb Lives of Trigger-Happy Cops|Melissa Leon|January 9, 2015|DAILY BEAST
As soon as this attack [happened], Paris citizens came together to show were are not afraid, we are Charlie Hebdo.
France Kills Charlie Hebdo Murderers|Nico Hines|January 9, 2015|DAILY BEAST
And they might not have to wait that long to show their political heft.
Asian-Americans Are The New Florida|Tim Mak|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST
Not actual CIA agents, but U.S. government personnel who have worked very closely with the CIA, and who are fans of the show.
‘Archer’ Creator Adam Reed Spills Season 6 Secrets, From Surreal Plotlines to Life Post-ISIS|Marlow Stern|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST

Although the blood-spattered offices will be off-limits, staff have vowed to continue producing the magazine.
France Mourns—and Hunts|Nico Hines, Christopher Dickey|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST
None other would dare to show herself unveiled to a stranger, and a white man at that.
The Red Year|Louis Tracy
I shall show how it is possible thus to prolong life to the term set by God.
The Mediaeval Mind (Volume II of II)|Henry Osborn Taylor
A far-off volley rumbled over the plain, and a few birds stirred uneasily among the trees.
The Red Year|Louis Tracy
Not only do children thus of themselves extend the scope of our commands, they show a disposition to make rules for themselves.
Children's Ways|James Sully
He called upon the Order to show their title-deeds, but was met with a contemptuous refusal.
The Philippine Islands|John Foreman

British Dictionary definitions for show-off

show off

verb (adverb)

(tr) to exhibit or display so as to invite admiration

(intr) informal to behave in such a manner as to make an impression

noun show-off

informal a person who makes a vain display of himself

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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