# showing

/ˈʃoʊɪŋ/ (US) · /ʃˈəʊɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/showing
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. a film screening

noun · CEFR B1

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

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

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

noun · CEFR B2

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

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

- The gallery is hosting a private showing of her latest paintings tonight.
- The annual trade showing provides a platform for local manufacturers to demonstrate their latest technological innovations to international investors.

### 3. quality of performance

noun · CEFR B2

how well someone does in a competition or a test.

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

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

## Examples

- The gallery is hosting a private showing of the new paintings tonight.
- Despite a strong showing in the first half of the game, the team eventually lost to their rivals.
- The documentary's late-night showing attracted a surprisingly large audience, suggesting that the controversial subject matter resonated deeply with the local community.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.