English Reference
noun

showing

n.
US /ˈʃoʊɪŋ/ UK /ʃˈəʊɪŋ/ show·ing UK spelling showings

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    a specific time when a film or play is shown to an audience.

    a scheduled presentation of a cinema film, television programme, or theatrical performance.

    Simple

    The cinema has a late showing of the new action movie at ten o'clock.

    In context

    Due to unexpected demand, the theatre added a midnight showing to the schedule, which sold out within minutes of the announcement.

    Usage

    Often used with 'of' to specify the content being shown.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    an event where art or products are displayed for people to see.

    the act of putting something on display for public inspection or competition.

    Simple

    The gallery is hosting a private showing of her latest paintings tonight.

    In context

    The annual trade showing provides a platform for local manufacturers to demonstrate their latest technological innovations to international investors.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate Sport

    how well someone does in a competition or a test.

    the quality or nature of a performance or result in a specific context.

    Simple

    The team had a poor showing in the first half of the game.

    In context

    Despite a strong showing in the preliminary debates, the candidate failed to secure enough votes during the final primary election.

    Usage

    Commonly modified by adjectives like 'strong', 'poor', or 'impressive'.

Usage showing signs

The men's football World Cup, which kicked off mid-June, increased customers at hospitality venues showing the matches.

BBC News· 13 Aug 2026

Some of those costs are already showing up in bills.

BBC News· 15 Apr 2026

Etymology 1

From Middle English schewynge, schewand, schewande, schewende, from Old English sċēawiende, from Proto-West Germanic skauwōndī, from Proto-Germanic skawwōndz, present participle of Proto-Germanic *skawwōną (“to look, observe”), equivalent to show + -ing.

Etymology 2

From Middle English schewyng, schewinge, from Old English sċēawung (“a looking at, contemplation, consideration; respect, regard; survey, examination; a show, appearance, pretense”), from Proto-West Germanic skauwungu, from Proto-Germanic skawwungō, equivalent to show + -ing. Cognate with Dutch schouwing (“inspection, survey”), German Schauung (“vision”).

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin gem-pro *skawwōną
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Very common
Updated