showcase: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2neutral
Quick answer
What does “showcase” mean?
a glass case or cabinet for displaying objects.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
a glass case or cabinet for displaying objects.
A situation, event, or person that serves as an ideal example or display of a particular quality or set of qualities.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal difference. The verb form is slightly more common in professional/business contexts in both variants.
Connotations
Positive connotations of high quality, excellence, and opportunity for display. Can have a slight connotation of artificiality or 'window dressing' in some critical contexts.
Frequency
Used with broadly similar frequency in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “showcase” in a Sentence
to showcase something (to someone)something serves as a showcase for somethingVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “showcase” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The gallery will showcase works by local artists throughout the summer.
- The documentary aimed to showcase the region's unique wildlife.
American English
- The new platform will showcase indie game developers.
- The mayor's speech showcased the city's economic achievements.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- She was selected for a showcase event at the national museum.
American English
- He landed a showcase role in the company's flagship commercial.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
The trade fair is a crucial showcase for our latest innovations to potential investors.
Academic
Her doctoral thesis served as a showcase for her rigorous methodological approach.
Everyday
The school play is a great showcase for the children's acting skills.
Technical
The developer conference will include a showcase for the new API's capabilities.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “showcase”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “showcase”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “showcase”
- Using 'showcase' as a verb without an object (e.g., 'The festival showcases' is incomplete; needs 'showcases local artists'). Confusing with 'showroom' (a place to display goods for sale).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is neutral but leans slightly towards formal or professional contexts, especially as a verb. It is common in business, academic, and arts reporting.
Rarely. It is overwhelmingly positive. A negative sense might arise if someone criticises something as 'merely a showcase', implying it's superficial display without substance.
'Display' is broader and more neutral. 'Showcase' implies a specially arranged, prominent, or favourable display meant to highlight the best qualities of something.
Yes, it is fully accepted in modern formal English, including business and academic writing.
a glass case or cabinet for displaying objects.
Showcase: in British English it is pronounced /ˈʃəʊ.keɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈʃoʊ.keɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a showcase for (talent/skill)”
- “put something in the showcase”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a SHOW in a glass CASE. The case puts the show (or object) on display.
Conceptual Metaphor
QUALITY IS VISIBILITY / ACHIEVEMENT IS A DISPLAYED OBJECT
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'showcase' used as a verb?