display
dihs-PLAY
Display (verb) means to show something openly so it can be seen clearly. Example: “The gallery displays local artwork every summer.”
verb
1
To show something openly so it can be seen clearly.
"The gallery displays local artwork every summer."
"She displayed remarkable calm under pressure."
"The bakery displays its fresh cakes in a large window facing the street."
noun
1
A screen that shows text, images, or graphics.
"The laptop has a bright, high-resolution display."
"The display on my phone cracked when I dropped it on the pavement."
"Turn up the brightness if the display is too dark to read."
2
An arrangement of items set out for people to view, often for sale or exhibition.
"The store window had an eye-catching holiday display."
"The museum has a new display of ancient coins near the entrance."
"Fruit and vegetables were set out in a colourful display at the market."
How to use display
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo show something, or a screen/arrangement made for people to look at.
Common pairings
on display
display case
digital display
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Word forms
- Plural
- displays
- Third person singular
- displays
- Past tense
- displayed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The gallery _____ local artwork every summer.
Etymology
From Old French despleier, "to unfold or spread out," ultimately from Latin dis- ("apart") + plicare ("to fold") — a doublet of "deploy".
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for display
See all rhymes for display →Frequently asked questions
What does “display” mean?
The word “display” means to show something openly so it can be seen clearly. In plain terms, to show something, or a screen/arrangement made for people to look at.
How do you pronounce “display”?
“Display” is pronounced dihs-PLAY (/dɪsˈpleɪ/ in IPA).
How do you use “display” in a sentence?
Here is “display” used in a sentence: “The gallery displays local artwork every summer.”
What part of speech is “display”?
Depending on how it is used, “display” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “display” come from?
The word “display” comes from Latin. From Old French despleier, "to unfold or spread out," ultimately from Latin dis- ("apart") + plicare ("to fold") — a doublet of "deploy".
Is “display” a common word?
“Display” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “display” have?
“Display” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to show something openly so it can be seen clearly.
What is the difference between display and show?
Show is the broad, everyday word for letting something be seen. Display usually implies a more deliberate, prominent presentation — arranging things so they stand out, as in a shop window or museum case. You might show a friend a photo, but a store displays its best products.
What is the difference between display and exhibit?
Both mean to put something on view, but exhibit is more formal and is linked to galleries, museums, and shows — an artist exhibits paintings. Display is broader and more everyday, covering everything from shop windows to emotions. All exhibiting is displaying, but not all displaying is exhibiting.
What is the opposite of display?
The opposite is to hide or conceal — keeping something out of sight rather than showing it openly. Where display puts things on view, concealing removes them from view. Related opposites include cover, mask, and withhold, all suggesting the deliberate hiding of what could otherwise be seen.
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