slideshow: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2neutral
Quick answer
What does “slideshow” mean?
A presentation of a series of photographic slides projected in sequence onto a screen.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A presentation of a series of photographic slides projected in sequence onto a screen.
Any sequential display of images or information on a screen, typically controlled by software, often used for presentations, photo viewing, or digital storytelling.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or meaning differences. The compound form 'slideshow' is standard in both, though 'slide show' (two words) is a common variant.
Connotations
Identical connotations in both dialects.
Frequency
Equally common in both UK and US English due to global software and presentation culture.
Grammar
How to Use “slideshow” in a Sentence
[verb] a slideshow (create/present/watch)a slideshow [preposition] something (of/about/for)slideshow [noun] (software/presentation/program)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “slideshow” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- slideshow software
- slideshow mode
American English
- slideshow program
- slideshow feature
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
A standard tool for meetings, pitches, and reports, e.g., 'Please prepare a slideshow for the quarterly review.'
Academic
Used in lectures and conference presentations to support spoken content.
Everyday
Common for sharing holiday photos or family memories on a TV or computer.
Technical
Refers to a software feature or mode in applications like PowerPoint, Google Slides, or photo viewers.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “slideshow”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “slideshow”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “slideshow”
- Misspelling as 'slide show' (acceptable variant) or 'slidshow'.
- Using it as a verb (to slideshow) is non-standard; use 'to present a slideshow' or 'to run a slideshow'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both 'slideshow' (closed) and 'slide show' (open) are accepted, with 'slideshow' being very common in digital contexts. Dictionaries often list both.
No, it is not standard. Use phrases like 'to present/show/run a slideshow' or 'to give a slideshow presentation' instead.
A 'presentation' is the broader act of showing and explaining content. A 'slideshow' is a specific tool—the sequence of slides—often used within a presentation. In casual use, they are often synonymous.
Yes. Originally it referred specifically to a physical projector and carousel of photographic transparencies. Now it almost exclusively means a digital sequence of images or information, often created with software.
A presentation of a series of photographic slides projected in sequence onto a screen.
Slideshow is usually neutral in register.
Slideshow: in British English it is pronounced /ˈslaɪd.ʃəʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈslaɪd.ʃoʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Death by slideshow (humorous term for a tedious presentation)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of SLIDING images that SHOW one after another -> SLIDESHOW.
Conceptual Metaphor
A JOURNEY (through images or ideas)
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the LEAST accurate synonym for 'slideshow' in a modern business context?