What does "exhibit" mean?

1. (to display in public) to show something for people to see, especially in a museum or a competition. 2. (to show a quality) to show a particular feeling, quality, or sign of something. 3. (an item on display) an object or a collection of objects that is shown in an exhibition. 4. (legal evidence) an object or document shown in a court of law to prove something.

How do you use "exhibit"?

Often used in the passive voice when referring to museum collections. Common in academic, medical, and psychological contexts. Usually followed by a letter or number to identify the specific piece of evidence.

exhibit

v. · n.

US //ɪɡˈzɪbɪt// UK //ɛɡzˈɪbɪt// ex·hib·it

1 to display in public (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

to show something for people to see, especially in a museum or a competition.

to display an object or collection for public inspection, typically in a gallery, museum, or trade show.

Example

Several local artists will exhibit their paintings at the town hall this weekend.

Example

The museum plans to exhibit the recently discovered Roman coins in a climate-controlled glass case near the main entrance.

Usage

Often used in the passive voice when referring to museum collections.
- hide
- conceal
2 to show a quality (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

to show a particular feeling, quality, or sign of something.

to manifest or demonstrate a specific characteristic, emotion, or physical symptom.

Example

The patient began to exhibit signs of a fever late last night.

Example

The research subjects did not exhibit any significant behavioral changes after the first phase of the clinical trial.

Usage

Common in academic, medical, and psychological contexts.
- suppress
- mask

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3 an item on display (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

an object or a collection of objects that is shown in an exhibition.

an item or group of items presented in a public display, such as a museum gallery.

Example

The most popular exhibit in the museum is the giant dinosaur skeleton.

Example

Visitors are requested not to touch the fragile textiles featured in the temporary exhibit on ancient weaving techniques.
4 legal evidence (n.)
C1 Advanced Formal Technical Law

an object or document shown in a court of law to prove something.

a document or physical object formally introduced as evidence during a court trial or a legal deposition.

Example

The lawyer showed the jury Exhibit A, which was a photograph of the car.

Example

The prosecution entered the blood-stained clothing into the record as Exhibit B to establish the defendant's presence at the scene.

Usage

Usually followed by a letter or number to identify the specific piece of evidence.
- evidence
- proof

Origin

From Latin exhibitus, perfect passive participle of exhibeō (“to hold forth, present, show, display”), from ex (“out of, from”) + habeō (“to have, hold”); see habit.