showgirl: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal, descriptive, occasionally journalistic. Associated with entertainment industry vocabulary.
Quick answer
What does “showgirl” mean?
A female performer in a stage show, typically a large-scale musical or cabaret, known for her dancing, singing, costumes, and presentation.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A female performer in a stage show, typically a large-scale musical or cabaret, known for her dancing, singing, costumes, and presentation.
More broadly, a woman who performs in theatrical or cabaret entertainment, often evoking glamour and spectacle. The term can sometimes be applied metaphorically to describe a woman whose public appearance is highly theatrical or performative.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. Slightly more common in American English due to the cultural prominence of Las Vegas and Broadway.
Connotations
UK: May evoke images of traditional West End musicals, pantomime, or 20th-century variety shows. US: Strongly linked to Las Vegas revues, Broadway, and classic Hollywood musicals.
Frequency
Higher frequency in US English, particularly in media and tourism contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “showgirl” in a Sentence
The showgirl danced in the finale.She worked as a showgirl for a decade.The production featured a troupe of showgirls.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in entertainment industry marketing, tourism (e.g., 'Las Vegas showgirl experience'), and casting.
Academic
Rare, except in historical, cultural, or gender studies discussing performance, spectacle, and labour in entertainment.
Everyday
Understood but not common in daily conversation. Used when specifically discussing theatre, shows, or historical entertainment.
Technical
Not a technical term. Belongs to general theatrical and performance vocabulary.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “showgirl”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “showgirl”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “showgirl”
- Confusing with 'show woman' (not idiomatic). Using it for any female TV presenter (incorrect). Overusing as a generic term for any female performer.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is somewhat dated and evokes mid-20th century entertainment, but it remains the standard term for female performers in large, glamorous stage revues, especially in contexts like Las Vegas.
They are closely related. 'Chorus girl' traditionally refers to a member of a singing and dancing chorus line. 'Showgirl' often emphasises the visual spectacle, elaborate costumes, and glamour, and may involve less complex dancing and more presentation.
No, the term is gendered. The male equivalent would be 'showboy', but this is extremely rare. Terms like 'dancer', 'chorus boy', or 'performer' are used instead.
It can, if used to imply a woman is valued primarily for her decorative appearance rather than her talent. In its proper theatrical context, it is a neutral occupational term.
A female performer in a stage show, typically a large-scale musical or cabaret, known for her dancing, singing, costumes, and presentation.
Showgirl is usually informal, descriptive, occasionally journalistic. associated with entertainment industry vocabulary. in register.
Showgirl: in British English it is pronounced /ˈʃəʊ.ɡɜːl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈʃoʊ.ɡɝːl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Showgirl smile (a broad, fixed, performative smile)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a girl in a SHOW, wearing a glittery costume with a headdress, performing for an audience.
Conceptual Metaphor
SPECTACLE IS GLAMOUR; PERFORMANCE IS DISPLAY.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'showgirl' most accurately and specifically used?