unveil
Americanverb (used with object)
verb (used without object)
verb
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(tr) to remove the cover or shroud from, esp in the ceremonial unveiling of a monument, etc
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to remove the veil from (one's own or another person's face)
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(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.
This past week, the auto industry descended on New York to unveil its latest models.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026
He claimed Thursday that his party will soon unveil a raft of welfare reforms to cut spending on other programs to free up resources for the old-age payout.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 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
Google’s decision to unveil the new tech led to a Thursday selloff in memory stocks amid concerns AI models might require less memory in the future.
From Barron's • Mar. 27, 2026
The shadows behind them swallowed his father as the shadows ahead retreated to unveil other statues; no mere lords> these, but the old Kings in the North.
From "A Clash of Kings" by George R.R. Martin
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.
