pavilion
puh-VIL-yun
/pəˈvɪliən/
A light, ornamental building or structure in a park or garden, used for shelter, concerts, or exhibitions.
Often features open sides and decorative architecture, serving as a focal point in open grounds.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'papilio' (butterfly). Roman soldiers called military tents 'papiliones' because open canopy fabric resembled outspread butterfly wings. Over time, it came to denote ornamental open-sided park structures.
Word relationships
- gazebo: Usually smaller and octagonal in structure.
- kiosk: A tiny booth primarily used for selling commercial goods.
- bunker: A heavily fortified, solid subterranean defense building.
Commonly confused with
- sanctuary: A sanctuary is a safe haven; a pavilion is an open architectural shelter for events.
Word family
- pavilions (noun): Plural of pavilion.
Collocations
- park pavilion
- exhibition pavilion
- band pavilion
- garden pavilion
Example sentences
- "Musicians performed under the wooden park pavilion while spectators gathered on the surrounding grass." Park recreation newsletter
Memory hook
PAVILION spreads out like BUTTERFLY wings. Pavilion = Open park shelter structure.
When not to use
Do not use for massive, enclosed residential high-rises.
Fun facts
- At World's Fairs, nations design elaborate 'national pavilions' to display cutting-edge architectural concepts.
Related words
Explore more words
venue, exhibition, portico, ornamental, stadium, amphitheater
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