noun

showboat

SHOH-boht

Showboat (noun) means a river steamboat with an onboard theatre, once used for travelling entertainment. Example: “The showboat used to travel up and down the Mississippi.”

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noun

A river steamboat with an onboard theatre, once used for travelling entertainment.

"The showboat used to travel up and down the Mississippi."

verb

To show off, often in a flashy or attention-seeking way.

"He loves showboating in front of the cameras."

How to use showboat

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo show off; historically, a floating theatre.

When to use it

The verb sense is informal and usually mildly critical.

Common pairings

stop showboating

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

showboated past tense, showboats plural, showboats singular

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The _____ used to travel up and down the Mississippi.

Etymology

From show + boat.

Rhymes for showboat

oat boat coat goat moat float bloat gloat groat throat afloat tugboat

See all rhymes for showboat →

Frequently asked questions

What does “showboat” mean?

The word “showboat” means a river steamboat with an onboard theatre, once used for travelling entertainment. In plain terms, to show off; historically, a floating theatre.

How do you pronounce “showboat”?

“Showboat” is pronounced SHOH-boht (/ˈʃoʊˌboʊt/ in IPA).

How do you use “showboat” in a sentence?

Here is “showboat” used in a sentence: “The showboat used to travel up and down the Mississippi.”

What part of speech is “showboat”?

Depending on how it is used, “showboat” can be a noun and a verb.

How many meanings does “showboat” have?

“Showboat” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a river steamboat with an onboard theatre, once used for travelling entertainment.