display Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun something intended to communicate a particular impression
    show.
    • made a display of strength
    • a show of impatience
    • a good show of looking interested
  2. noun something shown to the public
    exhibit; showing.
    • the museum had many exhibits of oriental art
  3. noun a visual representation of something
    presentation.
  4. noun behavior that makes your feelings public
    • a display of emotion
  5. noun exhibiting openly in public view
    • a display of courage
  6. noun an electronic device that represents information in visual form
    video display.
  7. verb to show, make visible or apparent
    exhibit; expose.
    • The Metropolitan Museum is exhibiting Goya's works this month
    • Why don't you show your nice legs and wear shorter skirts?
    • National leaders will have to display the highest skills of statesmanship
  8. verb attract attention by displaying some body part or posing; of animals

WordNet

Dis*play" transitive verb
Etymology
OE. displaien, desplaien, OF. despleier, desploier, F. déployer; pref. des- (L. dis-) + pleier, ploier, plier, F. ployer, plier, to fold, bend, L. plicare. See Ply, and cf. Deploy, Splay.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Displayed ; present participle & verbal noun Displaying
Definitions
  1. To unfold; to spread wide; to expand; to stretch out; to spread.
    The northern wind his wings did broad display. Spenser.
  2. (Mil.) To extend the front of (a column), bringing it into line. Farrow.
  3. To spread before the view; to show; to exhibit to the sight, or to the mind; to make manifest.
    His statement . . . displays very clearly the actual condition of the army. Burke.
  4. To make an exhibition of; to set in view conspicuously or ostentatiously; to exhibit for the sake of publicity; to parade.
    Proudly displaying the insignia of their order. Prescott.
  5. (Print.) To make conspicuous by large or prominent type.
  6. To discover; to descry. Obs.
    And from his seat took pleasure to display The city so adorned with towers. Chapman.
    Syn. -- To exhibit; show; manifest; spread out; parade; expand; flaunt.
Dis*play" intransitive verb
Definitions
  1. To make a display; to act as one making a show or demonstration. Shak.
Dis*play" noun
Definitions
  1. An opening or unfolding; exhibition; manifestation.
    Having witnessed displays of his power and grace. Trench.
  2. Ostentatious show; exhibition for effect; parade.
    He died, as erring man should die, Without display, without parade. Byron.

Webster 1913