I. di ‧ splay 1 S3 W2 AC /dɪˈspleɪ/ BrE AmE noun [countable]
1 . OBJECTS an arrangement of things for people to look at or buy
display of
a superb display of African masks
a dazzling display (=very good display) of flowers
The window display caught her eye.
display cases containing old photographs
2 . ENTERTAINMENT a public performance of something that is intended to entertain people:
a fireworks display
display of
a display of juggling
3 . on display
a) something that is on display is in a public place where people can look at it SYN on show :
Mapplethorpe’s photographs were first put on display in New York.
be/go on display
One of the world’s oldest cars has gone on display in Brighton today.
b) if a quality, feeling, or skill is on display, it is very clear and easy to notice:
The musical talent on display is extremely impressive.
4 . display of affection/emotion/aggression etc an occasion when someone clearly shows a particular feeling, attitude, or quality:
Unprovoked displays of aggression cannot be tolerated.
5 . ON EQUIPMENT a part of a piece of equipment that shows information, for example a computer screen:
This time the display flashed a red warning signal.
• • •
COLLOCATIONS
■ adjectives
▪ a fine/magnificent/spectacular/dazzling display (=a very good one)
The museum has a magnificent display of silver.
▪ a window display (=in the window of a shop)
I stopped to look at something in the window display.
▪ a special display
There was a special display of local photographs.
▪ a floral display (=of flowers)
The village has won an award for its floral displays.
■ verbs
▪ create a display
She created an award-winning display at the national garden show.
■ display + NOUN
▪ a display case/cabinet (=small cupboard with a glass front)
There was a display case full of medals.
▪ a display board
Some schools have a display board with photographs of all the staff.
▪ a display stand (=table with shelves etc used for showing things to the public)
A lot of companies had impressive display stands in the conference hall.
II. display 2 W2 AC BrE AmE verb
[ Date: 1500-1600 ; Language: Anglo-French ; Origin: despleier , from Latin displicare 'to unfold' ]
1 . [transitive] to show something to people, or put it in a place where people can see it easily:
shop windows displaying the latest fashions
All the exam results will be displayed on the noticeboard.
2 . [transitive] to clearly show a feeling, attitude, or quality by what you do or say:
She displayed no emotion on the witness stand.
ten piano pieces, each written to display the talents of individual players
3 . [transitive] if a computer or something similar displays information, it shows it on its screen:
I pressed ‘return’ and an error message was displayed.
4 . [intransitive] if a male bird or animal displays, it behaves in a particular way as a signal to other birds or animals, especially to attract a female