best in show: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal to Neutral
Quick answer
What does “best in show” mean?
The top prize or winning entry in a competitive exhibition, especially for dogs or other animals.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The top prize or winning entry in a competitive exhibition, especially for dogs or other animals; the single best specimen overall.
The person or thing considered the absolute best or most impressive within a specific group or competition; the ultimate winner.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or usage. The phrase is equally understood in both varieties due to shared cultural touchpoints like dog shows. Spelling remains identical.
Connotations
In both, it connotes formal competition, excellence, and a standard of judgment. Slightly more likely to be used literally in British English due to the strong tradition of events like Crufts.
Frequency
Comparably low-to-medium frequency in both varieties, with a slight edge in American English due to wider metaphorical extension in media (e.g., 'Best in Show' film title).
Grammar
How to Use “best in show” in a Sentence
[Noun Phrase] was/won/has been awarded best in show.The judges selected [Noun Phrase] for best in show.to take best in showVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “best in show” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The best-in-show award was presented by the mayor.
- It was a best-in-show performance from the veteran actor.
American English
- The best-in-show trophy was enormous.
- They gave a best-in-show demonstration of the software.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used metaphorically to describe a top-performing product, employee, or presentation at a conference or trade fair. 'Our new model was the best in show at the industry expo.'
Academic
Rare. May appear in anthropology/sociology papers analyzing competitions or cultural events.
Everyday
Used literally for pet shows, school fairs (e.g., best vegetable), or jokingly among friends. 'Your apple pie deserves best in show!'
Technical
Standard term in professional dog breeding, equestrian events, and agricultural shows.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “best in show”
- Using 'best of show' (less common variant). Pluralizing 'show' incorrectly: *'best in shows'. Using it without the context of a competitive selection: *'He's the best in show footballer.'
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but only metaphorically and usually in a competitive context (e.g., a talent show, a sales team). It is not a general compliment.
It is typically not hyphenated when used as a noun phrase ('won best in show'). Hyphens are often used when it functions as a compound modifier before a noun ('the best-in-show award').
They are largely synonymous. 'Best in show' is the more common and traditional form, especially in British English. 'Best of show' is an accepted variant, particularly in American English.
No. While its origin and strongest association is with animal shows, it is widely extended to any competitive exhibition (flowers, food, crafts, film, technology).
The top prize or winning entry in a competitive exhibition, especially for dogs or other animals.
Best in show is usually informal to neutral in register.
Best in show: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbest ɪn ˈʃəʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌbest ɪn ˈʃoʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(metaphorically) It was the best in show of the new smartphones.”
- “She was best in show at the sales conference.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a DOG SHOW where the BEST dog gets a big blue ribbon. 'Best IN the SHOW' = the top one inside the competition.
Conceptual Metaphor
A COMPETITION IS A SHOW. EXCELLENCE IS A PRIZE.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the phrase 'best in show' LEAST likely to be used?