exhibit
ig-ZIB-it
/ɪɡˈzɪbɪt/
To publicly display an item or collection of items in an art gallery or museum (verb); an object or collection of objects on public display (noun).
As a verb, it emphasizes the act of showing publicly. As a noun, it usually refers to a specific object or a small, cohesive display within a larger exhibition.
The story behind the word. Traces back to the Latin exhibere, meaning 'to hold out, present, or produce', which is made of ex- (out) and habere (to hold). It originally carried a legal sense of producing documents or evidence in court.
Word relationships
- display: Display is a general term for putting something where it can be seen, while exhibit implies a formal, organized public presentation.
- conceal: Conceal means to hide something from view, which is the direct opposite of exhibiting it.
Commonly confused with
- exhibition: An exhibit is typically a single object or small display, whereas an exhibition is the entire organized event or large-scale public show.
Word family
- exhibitor (noun): A person or company that displays items at an exhibition.
Collocations
- exhibit artwork
- interactive exhibit
- museum exhibit
- exhibit features
Example sentences
- "The sculptor was delighted to exhibit her latest bronze figures at the international art fair." Displaying artwork
Memory hook
To exhibit is to 'exit' the storage room and 'habitually' hold it out for others to see. To hold out for all to see.
When not to use
Do not use when referring to a casual, private showing of an object to a friend.
Fun facts
- In legal terminology, an 'exhibit' is still used to refer to a document or physical object produced in court as evidence.
Related words
Explore more words
produce, commemorate, memorabilia, celebrate, curate, depict
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