a show of hands

noun phrase

: an occurrence in which people put a hand in the air to indicate that they want something, agree with something, etc.
Let me see a show of hands: how many people want a piece of cake?

Examples of a show of hands in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Bromley, displeased, asked for a show of hands from anyone who believed that this was the most interesting story Jamie had to tell about himself. Jonathan Franzen, New Yorker, 1 June 2026 Bollinger also asked residents to display their opinion with a show of hands. Arkansas Online, 12 Apr. 2026 During the discussion, emergency physician Craig Spencer asked for a show of hands. Aaron Everitt, STAT, 10 Apr. 2026 Ultimately, the vote came down to a show of hands, and the new bylaws passed by a clear majority. Haajrah Gilani, Houston Chronicle, 7 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for a show of hands

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“A show of hands.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/a%20show%20of%20hands. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster