noun
Uncommon
pavilion
puh-VIHL-yuhn
Pavilion (noun) means a large, often decorative tent, or a light open structure used as a shelter or for events. Example: “The wedding reception was held in a pavilion by the lake.”
noun
1
A large, often decorative tent, or a light open structure used as a shelter or for events.
"The wedding reception was held in a pavilion by the lake."
"Guests sheltered in the pavilion when the rain started during the garden party."
"The band played all afternoon in the pavilion in the middle of the park."
2
A building used to house exhibits, spectators, or players, especially at a sports ground or fair.
"The cricket team walked back to the pavilion after the innings."
"Each country had its own pavilion at the world expo."
"Spectators filled the pavilion to watch the final match of the season."
How to use pavilion
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA large tent-like or open-sided building used for shelter, events, or exhibitions.
Common pairings
cricket pavilion
exhibition pavilion
a pavilion tent
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Word forms
- Plural
- pavilions
- Third person singular
- pavilions
- Past tense
- pavilioned
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The wedding reception was held in a _____ by the lake.
Etymology
From Latin papilio, "butterfly" — early tents were named for their canvas sides, which spread out like wings.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for pavilion
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for pavilion →
Frequently asked questions
What does “pavilion” mean?
The word “pavilion” means a large, often decorative tent, or a light open structure used as a shelter or for events. In plain terms, a large tent-like or open-sided building used for shelter, events, or exhibitions.
How do you pronounce “pavilion”?
“Pavilion” is pronounced puh-VIHL-yuhn (/pəˈvɪljən/ in IPA).
How do you use “pavilion” in a sentence?
Here is “pavilion” used in a sentence: “The wedding reception was held in a pavilion by the lake.”
What part of speech is “pavilion”?
“Pavilion” is a noun.
Where does the word “pavilion” come from?
The word “pavilion” comes from Latin. From Latin papilio, "butterfly" — early tents were named for their canvas sides, which spread out like wings.
Is “pavilion” a common word?
“Pavilion” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “pavilion” have?
“Pavilion” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a large, often decorative tent, or a light open structure used as a shelter or for events.
What is the difference between a pavilion and a tent?
A tent is typically a simple, portable shelter, while a pavilion is often a larger, more decorative structure, such as an elaborate tent or light open building used for events, exhibitions, or shelter. Pavilions tend to be more architecturally distinctive and are often intended for public gathering rather than basic camping.
What is a pavilion at a sports ground used for?
At a sports ground, a pavilion is a building used to house players, officials, and often spectators, providing changing rooms, seating, or shelter, particularly common at cricket grounds in British usage.
Can pavilion refer to a structure at a fair or exhibition?
Yes, pavilion commonly describes a building used to house exhibits at a fair or exhibition, such as a national pavilion at a world's fair showcasing a particular country's culture or products.
