n.1 (usu. foll. by of) a the act or process of performing or carrying out. b the execution or fulfilment (of a duty etc.).
2 a staging or production (of a drama, piece of music, etc.) (the afternoon performance).
3 a person's achievement under test conditions etc. (put up a good performance).
4 colloq. a fuss; a scene; a public exhibition (made such a performance about leaving).
5 a the capabilities of a machine, esp. a car or aircraft. b (attrib.) of high capability (a performance car).