Definition of exhibit

The word "exhibit" comes from the Latin "exhibere," which means "to put forth" or "to show." This Latin verb is a combination of "ex," meaning "out" or " abroad," and "hibere," meaning "to hold" or "to keep." In English, the verb "exhibit" has been used since the 15th century to mean "to show or demonstrate something, typically in a public or formal setting." For example, a scientist might exhibit a new discovery at a conference, or an art museum might exhibit a collection of works by a famous artist. Over time, the noun "exhibit" emerged to refer to the thing being shown or demonstrated, such as an exhibit at a museum or an exhibit booth at a trade show. Today, the word "exhibit" is commonly used in a variety of contexts, including art, science, education, and business.