exhibition
ek-sih-BISH-un
/ˌɛksɪˈbɪʃən/
A public display of works of art or items of interest, held in an art gallery, museum, or trade fair.
Refers to the entire organized event or show, which may include many individual exhibits or artworks.
The story behind the word. From the Latin exhibere (to hold out), via Old French exhibicion, which referred to a public showing or presentation. By the 17th century, it specifically came to mean a public display of art or artifacts.
Word relationships
- exposition: An exposition (or expo) is typically a large-scale international exhibition focusing on industry, science, or trade, whereas an exhibition is usually artistic or cultural.
Commonly confused with
- exhibit: An exhibition is the overall public event, while an exhibit is a specific object or display within that event.
Word family
- exhibit (verb): To display publicly.
- exhibitionist (noun): A person who behaves in a way intended to attract attention to themselves.
Collocations
- art exhibition
- special exhibition
- solo exhibition
- host an exhibition
Idioms & expressions
- make an exhibition of oneself
Example sentences
- "We bought tickets to the new exhibition of impressionist masterpieces at the national gallery." Attending a public art event
Memory hook
An exhibition is an 'exhibit' that has grown into a massive 'nation' (exhibi-tion) of displays. The grand public show.
When not to use
Do not use when referring to a single object (use 'exhibit' instead).
Fun facts
- The Great Exhibition of 1851 in London, housed in the famous Crystal Palace, was the first international exhibition of manufactured products and culture.
Related words
Explore more words
curate, excursion, artifact, memorabilia, expedition, parade
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