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

---

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

---

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

Example Sentences

Some analysts think this is finally the year that Apple will unveil a foldable iPhone — and the impending launch has been hailed as a potential catalyst for the stock.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 7, 2026

Tesla also plans to unveil the third generation of its humanoid robot in the coming weeks.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

On Thursday, the government will unveil its Better Connected transport plan, which aims to improve travel across the country.

From BBC • Mar. 29, 2026

But Morgan Stanley and Bank of America analysts see a catalyst on the horizon for Apple , which is expected to unveil its first foldable iPhone later this year.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 23, 2026

“What I heard is that they’re going to unveil it at the festival next weekend,” Lucas said, standing up as well.

From "Where Things Come Back" by John Corey Whaley

Related Words

• disclose
• display
• open
• tell