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must-see

must-see

14 3.4
A place, show or event that people should not miss
  • noun
  • /ˈmʌst si/
translation icon : visita obligada
  • The Flying Pig must have a reputation as a must-see spot among writers in the region.
  • must-see attraction
  • must-see movie
  • must-see destination

Examples

  • Today the Hall is a must-see for visitors to London and showcases the world's best talent.

    Blog text (11)
  • The History of Asbestos is the must-see documentary for anyone affected by asbestos.

    Blog text (12)
  • Nothing will prepare you for the must see premiere event.

  • Northern Lights are on the must-see before I die list of many.

    Academic text (2010)
  • Visitors, it contended, must see the Vatican while in Rome.

    Academic text (2010)
  • One of the top ten must-see spots in all of Tokyo!

  • The film is a must-see and will have audiences pondering the meaning of life.

    Blog text (9)
  • Providing a home for thousands of pharaonic artifacts, it soon became a must-see for foreign tourists and, later, for Egyptian schoolchildren.

    Academic text (2005)
  • Quebec City, Halifax, Vancouver, and Niagara Falls are all a must-see for any traveler.

    Blog text (24)
  • The heart of Paris is dense, and many of the must-see sights are close to each other.

Synonyms

sight
vsmust-see
130 1.0

A place people visit because it is interesting or famous

is recommended as essential to experience rather than simply to visit
tourist attraction
vsmust-see
24 1.6

A place people visit because it is interesting or beautiful

is presented as essential to see rather than merely attracting visitors
sight to behold
vsmust-see
7 6.2

Something very beautiful or impressive to see

is recommended for its importance to experience, not only its appearance
popular destination
vsmust-see
4 2.7

A place that many people visit, especially tourists

is presented as essential to see rather than only being well known
popular spot
vsmust-see
2 1.5

A place that many people like to visit

is described as essential to experience rather than merely commonly visited
tourist draw
vsmust-see
1 3.0

A place or event that attracts many visitors

is framed as something one should not miss rather than just popular
must
vsmust-see
2.8

Very important and something you should not miss

is the recommendation specifically aimed at places or events as essential

How Popular

must-see
14 3.4
hotspot
5 3.5
local spot
1 2.4
hidden gem
  • Informal
4 4.8

Surface Forms

must-see singular
must-sees plural

Morphology

must-see = must + see (semi-transparent) = must + see

The components 'must' and 'see' are clear, but the specific idiomatic meaning of 'must-see' as a highly recommended attraction is not fully transparent.

Etymology

Must-see combines must ('necessary') and see ('to look at'), like the phrases must-read or must-have. So a must-see is something people say you simply have to visit or watch because it is highly recommended.