road show

¹

or roadshow

noun

1. a show, such as a play or musical comedy, performed by a touring group of actors.
2. an important motion picture, usually presented only twice daily on a reserved-seat basis and at increased prices.
3. any traveling exhibit, such as one promoting a company's products or a government program.
4. Informal. any group traveling around the country for a specific purpose, such as a political candidate together with an entourage.

road-show

²

[ rohd-shoh ]

adjective

1. of or relating to road shows.

verb (used with object)

, road-showed, road-show·ing.

1. to present as a road show.

road show

noun

1. 1. a radio show broadcast live from one of a number of towns or venues being visited by a disc jockey who is touring an area
   2. the touring disc jockey and the personnel and equipment needed to present such a show

      the Radio 1 road show will be in Brighton next week

2. a group of entertainers, esp pop musicians, on tour
3. any occasion when an organization attracts publicity while touring or visiting

   an antiques road show

   a royal road show

Word History and Origins

Origin of road show¹

An Americanism dating back to 1905–10

Origin of road show²

First recorded in 1870–80

Idioms and Phrases

A tour made for a particular purpose, especially a political campaign. For example, It was primary season, and every would-be candidate was planning a road show . This term originated about 1900 for touring theatrical productions and in the mid-1900s began to be transferred to other endeavors.

Example Sentences

Linkin Park is expanding its comeback tour, taking their From Zero road show across the globe.

From Los Angeles Times

Gilmour’s tour behind “Luck and Strange” — his first studio album and his first road show in nearly a decade — is limited in terms of its itinerary, with dates in only four cities.

From Los Angeles Times

There is more than one reason for the Lakers preseason road show, but that doesn’t make it a great way to prepare.

From Los Angeles Times

The road show includes several hits from their 2021 album “Music of the Spheres” and their new singles “We Pray” and “feelslikeimfallinginlove.”

From Los Angeles Times

The road show is part of Walmart’s recent efforts to reposition itself as a stylish option and change public perception of the brand, which historically has not been top of mind for clothing shoppers.

From Los Angeles Times