noun
Very common
showing
SHOH-ihng
Showing (noun) means an instance of something being shown or displayed, such as a film screening or exhibition. Example: “We bought tickets for the evening showing of the new comedy.”
noun
1
An instance of something being shown or displayed, such as a film screening or exhibition.
"We bought tickets for the evening showing of the new comedy."
"The gallery arranged a special showing of the artist's early work."
"The cinema added a late showing on Friday nights."
2
How well or badly someone performs, as measured by a result.
"Her showing in the swimming race earned her a place in the final."
"The team's poor showing in the first half worried the fans."
"It was a strong showing for a candidate running for office the first time."
How to use showing
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither a single screening/display of something, or how well someone did at something.
Common pairings
a strong showing
a poor showing
a special showing
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Word forms
- Plural
- showings
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We bought tickets for the evening _____ of the new comedy.
Etymology
From Old English sceawung, "a looking at or examination," from the same root as show.
Related words
Rhymes for showing
See all rhymes for showing →Frequently asked questions
What does “showing” mean?
The word “showing” means an instance of something being shown or displayed, such as a film screening or exhibition. In plain terms, either a single screening/display of something, or how well someone did at something.
How do you pronounce “showing”?
“Showing” is pronounced SHOH-ihng (/ˈʃoʊɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “showing” in a sentence?
Here is “showing” used in a sentence: “The gallery arranged a special showing of the artist's early work.”
What part of speech is “showing”?
“Showing” is a noun.
Where does the word “showing” come from?
The word “showing” comes from Old English. From Old English sceawung, "a looking at or examination," from the same root as show.
Is “showing” a common word?
“Showing” is a very common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “showing” have?
“Showing” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an instance of something being shown or displayed, such as a film screening or exhibition.
What is the difference between a showing and a screening?
A screening refers specifically to showing a film to an audience — 'a private screening.' A showing is broader: it can mean a film screening, but also the display of art in a gallery, a fashion presentation, or a property shown to buyers. Every screening is a showing, but a showing need not involve a film at all.
What is a showing in real estate?
In property, a showing is an arranged visit that lets a prospective buyer or renter view a home in person. An agent or owner opens the property and walks visitors through it. It differs from an open house, which welcomes many people at once; a showing is usually booked for one buyer at a scheduled time.
What does 'make a good showing' mean?
This is a separate, common sense meaning to perform creditably or make a strong impression, especially in a contest or under scrutiny — 'the team made a good showing despite losing.' Here 'showing' measures how well someone performed rather than something displayed. A 'poor showing' is the opposite: a weak or disappointing performance.
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