show-off

1 of 2

noun

ˈshō-ˌȯf 

often attributive

1

: the act of showing off

2

: one that shows off : exhibitionist

show-offy

ˈshō-ˌȯ-fē 

adjective

show off

2 of 2

verb

showed off; shown off or showed off; showing off; shows off

transitive verb

: to display proudly

wanted to show our new car off

intransitive verb

: to seek to attract attention by conspicuous behavior

boys showing off for the girls

Synonyms

Verb

• act up
• clown (around)
• cut up
• fool around
• horse around
• hotdog
• monkey (around)
• showboat
• skylark

Examples of show-off in a Sentence

Verb

the athletes warmed up, happily showing off for the crowd before the match officially started

she just wants to show off her new jewelry

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

This one-of-a-kind cultural exchange program invites visitors to come into the homes of vetted, welcoming locals, who are likewise looking to meet travelers and show-off what their country has to offer in a unique way — and maybe just make a few new lifelong friendships along the way. —Sandra MacGregor, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024

Brighton Beach can be a relentless show-off that way, your feelings be damned. —Rachel Sonis, TIME, 18 Oct. 2024

Verb

Part 2 should examine why acting like a show off all the time hurts your reputation as a smart person and is a bad influence on younger less talented players. —Dan Pompei, The Athletic, 26 Dec. 2024

In a sweet series of videos shared to his Instagram Stories, Harris showed off the family of four's dinner, which featured delicious-looking lamb chops, crabs, brussels sprouts, a mushroom tart and cheesy potato dauphinoise. —Emma Aerin Becker, People.com, 26 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1776, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1750, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Kids Definition

show-off

1 of 2 noun

ˈshō-ˌȯf

1

: the act of showing off

2

: a person who shows off

show off

2 of 2 verb

(ˈ)shō-ˈȯf

1

: to display proudly

2

: to try to attract attention by conspicuous behavior