What does unveil mean?
Unveil means to reveal something that was hidden, unknown, or not yet publicly available. It is especially common in reporting about new products, plans, artworks, and discoveries: a company may unveil a device, a government may unveil a policy, or a museum may unveil an exhibition. The word can also refer literally to removing a veil or other covering from an object. This gives it a strong association with revelation, ceremony, and public presentation. In everyday writing, reveal is often the simpler and more neutral alternative, while unveil can add a sense of drama, importance, or formality. Although the literal origin refers to removing a covering, modern usage extends readily to information, identity, and intention. The word is widely understood in British and American English and is used in both spoken and formal written contexts.
verbTo make something known or visible for the first time, especially by revealing information or formally presenting something to the public. In its literal sense, to unveil something is to remove a covering from it.
- To make information, plans, a product, or an artistic work known or visible for the first time, especially in a public or ceremonial setting.
- Literally, to remove a covering or cloth from something, thereby exposing it to view.
"The company will unveil its new range of products at tomorrow's exhibition."
"The museum unveiled a previously unknown portrait at its annual exhibition."
"The curtains were drawn back, and the mayor unveiled the new memorial."
Unveil began with a literal image: removing a veil. Its modern sense of making something public grew from the idea of uncovering what had been hidden.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does unveil come from?
Unveil was formed in English from the prefix un- and the word veil, with the sense of removing a covering or revealing what had been concealed. The modern figurative sense developed from that literal meaning. Both unveil and veil ultimately connect with Latin velum, meaning a sail or covering; English words such as velum and velar continue that inherited root.
Related word forms
How unveil is actually used
Unveil is common in journalism, public relations, and formal announcements, where it often suggests presenting something important or long-awaited. In literal descriptions of removing a cover, it may sound more formal than uncover.
Easily confused with unveil
To veil something is to cover or obscure it, whereas to unveil it is to reveal it or remove its covering.