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noun C1 Advanced

exhibitionist

ehk-sih-BIH-shuh-nihst

Exhibitionist (noun) means someone who deliberately behaves in an attention-seeking or showy way. Example: “He's a bit of an exhibitionist, always looking to steal the spotlight.”

noun
1
Someone who deliberately behaves in an attention-seeking or showy way.
"He's a bit of an exhibitionist, always looking to steal the spotlight."
2
Someone who exposes their body in public, typically for sexual gratification.

How to use exhibitionist

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomeone who shows off or deliberately draws attention to themselves.

When to use it

The sexual sense is a clinical/legal term; the attention-seeking sense is used casually in everyday speech.

Word forms

more exhibitionist comparative, exhibitionists plural, most exhibitionist superlative

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Can you complete this real example?

He's a bit of an _____, always looking to steal the spotlight.

Etymology

From "exhibition" plus the "-ist" ending, meaning "one who does."

flasher show-off

Related words

Rhymes for exhibitionist

See all rhymes for exhibitionist →

Frequently asked questions

What does “exhibitionist” mean?

The word “exhibitionist” means someone who deliberately behaves in an attention-seeking or showy way. In plain terms, someone who shows off or deliberately draws attention to themselves.

How do you pronounce “exhibitionist”?

“Exhibitionist” is pronounced ehk-sih-BIH-shuh-nihst (/ɛksɪˈbɪʃənɪst/ in IPA).

How do you use “exhibitionist” in a sentence?

Here is “exhibitionist” used in a sentence: “He's a bit of an exhibitionist, always looking to steal the spotlight.”

What part of speech is “exhibitionist”?

“Exhibitionist” is a noun.

How many meanings does “exhibitionist” have?

“Exhibitionist” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: someone who deliberately behaves in an attention-seeking or showy way.

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