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.
Other Word Forms
Inflected Forms
Participles
Conjugated Forms
Present
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unveilsimple
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unveilssimple
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have unveiledperfect
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has unveiledperfect
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am unveilingprogressive
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are unveilingprogressive
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is unveilingprogressive
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have been unveilingperfect progressive
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has been unveilingperfect progressive
Past
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unveiledsimple
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had unveiledperfect
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was unveilingprogressive
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were unveilingprogressive
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had been unveilingperfect progressive
Future
Etymology
Origin of unveil
Explanation
Unveil is a dramatic verb we use when we uncover or reveal something for the first time, often in front of a large gathering or as part of a publicity campaign. A city's mayor might unveil a new monument by removing an actual veil (cloth covering) from it. This is often done with great flourish and accompanied by a drum roll. In a more metaphorical sense, a software company might unveil — that is, publicly announce — a new video game or business application.
Vocabulary lists containing unveil
The Watsons Go to Birmingham
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100 SAT Words Beginning with "U"
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This Week In Words: Current Events Vocab for September 19–25, 2020
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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.
Unveil it, and you will have material for a summer blockbuster.
From New York Times • Jun. 11, 2012
September 20 Yankees Unveil Steinbrenner’s Monument Just over two months since his death, George Steinbrenner's monument was unveiled in Monument Park, the seventh such Yankee honored.
From New York Times • Sep. 21, 2010
Unveil the woman; I would view the face, That warmed our Mufti's zeal: These pious parrots peck the fairest fruit: Such tasters are for kings.
From The works of John Dryden, now first collected in eighteen volumes. Volume 07 by Scott, Walter, Sir
O melody divine, of fantasy And frenzied mem'ry wrought, advance From out the shades; O spectral utterance, Untwine thy chains, thy fair autocracy Unveil, have being, declare Thy state and tuneful sovereignty.
From Atmâ A Romance by Frazer, Caroline Augusta
It is so: it inflames me: speaks to me: My eyes are opened, and the times obscure Unveil themselves before me!
From Athaliah A Tragedy, Intended For Reading Only, Translated Into English Blank Verse, From Racine (A. Gombert's Edition, 1825) by Donkersley, J.
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.
