pavilion
puh-VIL-yun
/pəˈvɪljən/
A building at a cricket ground or other sports ground, used for changing and providing refreshments.
Often implies a decorative, light, or temporary-feeling structure, sometimes used for exhibitions or as a side-building to a main stadium.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'papilio', meaning 'butterfly'. This is because large, colorful medieval tents looked like the wings of a butterfly when spread out.
Word relationships
- clubhouse: Usually more permanent and includes social facilities like a bar.
Collocations
- cricket pavilion
- garden pavilion
- exhibition pavilion
- wooden pavilion
Example sentences
- "The players retired to the pavilion for tea when the rain started." Cricket match.
- "A small wooden pavilion stood by the lake, offering shade to the tennis players." Describing a park.
Memory hook
A 'pavilion' looks like a 'papillon' (French for butterfly). Pavilion = Butterfly tent.
When not to use
Don't use for the main seating area (that's the grandstand).
Fun facts
- The word 'papillon' (the dog breed) also comes from this root because its ears look like butterfly wings.
Related words
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