pavilion
puh-VIL-yuhn
/pəˈvɪljən/
A decorative, light, open building or temporary structure used for exhibits, shelter, or entertainment at a park or fair.
Implies a large, often beautifully designed structure dedicated to a specific theme, country, or exhibition.
The story behind the word. From Old French paveillon, which comes from Latin papilio meaning butterfly or tent. The name arose because large, colorful medieval tents resembled the outspread wings of butterflies.
Word relationships
- exhibition hall: Exhibition hall is typically a large, permanent indoor space, whereas a pavilion can be a lighter, open-sided, or decorative structure.
- monolith: Monolith is a massive, solid, uniform stone structure, the opposite of a light, open pavilion.
Commonly confused with
- gazebo: A gazebo is a small, permanent garden structure, whereas a pavilion is much larger and often used for public exhibitions.
Word family
- pavilions (noun): plural of pavilion
Collocations
- exhibition pavilion
- national pavilion
- garden pavilion
- temporary pavilion
Example sentences
- "The world's fair featured a massive, beautifully decorated pavilion representing the culture of Italy." World's fair exhibition
- "We took shelter under the park pavilion when a sudden summer rainstorm began." Park shelter
Memory hook
A pavilion is like a giant butterfly tent spread out in the park. A butterfly-like exhibition tent.
When not to use
Do not use for standard concrete office buildings, residential houses, or simple utility sheds.
Fun facts
- The word pavilion shares its root with the French word for butterfly, papillon, because of the fluttering canvas of early medieval tents.
Related words
Explore more words
venue, exhibition, portico, ornamental, stadium, amphitheater
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