What does "showing" mean?

1. (a film screening) a specific time when a film or play is shown to an audience. 2. (an exhibition) an event where art or products are displayed for people to see. 3. (quality of performance) how well someone does in a competition or a test.

How do you use "showing"?

Often used with 'of' to specify the content being shown. Commonly modified by adjectives like 'strong', 'poor', or 'impressive'.

showing

US //ˈʃoʊɪŋ// UK //ʃˈəʊɪŋ// show·ing

1 a film screening (n.)
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.

Example

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

Example

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 an exhibition (n.)
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.

Example

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

Example

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

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3 quality of performance (n.)
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.

Example

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

Example

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'.

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”).