unveil

[uhn-veyl]

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

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of unveil¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; un- ² + veil

Example Sentences

Sea trials of the submarine began in June, nearly two years after it was first unveiled.

Read more on Barron's

In October the prince unveiled a global memorial for humanitarian aid workers where he delivered a speech on humanitarian values.

Read more on BBC

Fifteen-year-old American YouTuber Salish Matter unveiled her brand Sincerely Yours in October, drawing tens of thousands of people -- and police reinforcements -- to a launch event at a New Jersey mall.

Read more on Barron's

The bench will be unveiled before Everton take on Newcastle, for whom Speed made more than 200 appearances after leaving Merseyside.

Read more on BBC

Meanwhile, Birmingham City unveiled plans for their 62,000-seater Powerhouse Stadium in November, with a completion date set for the start of the 2030-2031 season.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• disclose 
• display 
• open 
• tell 

When To Use

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.