Definition

A performance or act that uses gestures and body movements to communicate a story or message without spoken words.

Example

The actors performed a dumbshow to illustrate the main themes of the play without using any dialogue.

Conversation

Did you see that dumbshow the street performers put on yesterday?

Yeah, it was hilarious how they used gestures to tell the story!

I love how a good dumbshow can be so entertaining without any words.

Exactly! It really shows how expressive body language can be.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Dumbshow → The word is formed from "dumb" (from Old English "dumb", meaning unable to speak) and "show" (from Old English "sceawian", meaning to look at or to see). A dumbshow refers to a performance or display that is done without spoken words, emphasizing visual expression instead.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who is 'unable to speak' ('dumb') putting on a 'display' ('show') — that's why a dumbshow is a performance without words.

Visually Confused Words