/ dɪˈspleɪ; NAmE / verb , noun
■ verb ~ sth (to sb)
1.
[ vn ] to put sth in a place where people can see it easily; to show sth to people
SYN exhibit :
The exhibition gives local artists an opportunity to display their work.
She displayed her bruises for all to see.
2.
[ vn ] to show signs of sth, especially a quality or feeling :
I have rarely seen her display any sign of emotion.
These statistics display a definite trend.
3.
[ vn ] ( of a computer, etc. ) to show information :
The screen will display the username in the top right-hand corner.
This column displays the title of the mail message.
4.
[ v ] ( technical ) ( of male birds and animals ) to show a special pattern of behaviour that is intended to attract a female bird or animal
■ noun
1.
an arrangement of things in a public place to inform or entertain people or advertise sth for sale :
a beautiful floral display outside the Town Hall
a window display
a display cabinet
2.
an act of performing a skill or of showing sth happening, in order to entertain :
a firework display
a breathtaking display of aerobatics
3.
an occasion when you show a particular quality, feeling or ability by the way that you behave :
a display of affection / strength / wealth
4.
the words, pictures, etc. shown on a computer screen :
a high resolution colour display
—see also liquid crystal display , VDU
•
IDIOMS
- on display
••
WORD ORIGIN
Middle English (in the sense unfurl, unfold ): from Old French despleier , from Latin displicare scatter, disperse (in medieval Latin unfold). Compare with deploy .