pavilion

noun
pa·​vil·​ion | \ pə-ˈvil-yən How to pronounce pavilion (audio) \

Definition of pavilion

 (Entry 1 of 2)

1a : a large often sumptuous tent the white pavilions of the Turkish irregular cavalry— A. H. Layard
b : something resembling a canopy or tent tree ferns spread their delicate pavilions— Blanche E. Baughan
2a : a part of a building projecting from the rest … rang the bell of the little pavilion— Gertrude Stein
b : one of several detached or semidetached units into which a building is sometimes divided
3a : a usually open sometimes ornamental structure in a garden, park, or place of recreation that is used for entertainment or shelter a dance pavilion a band pavilion
b : a temporary structure erected at an exposition by an individual exhibitor visited the Chinese pavilion at the international exposition
4 : the lower faceted part of a brilliant below the girdle (see girdle entry 1 sense 2) — see brilliant illustration

pavilion

verb
pavilioned; pavilioning; pavilions

Definition of pavilion (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

: to furnish or cover with or put in a pavilion

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Synonyms for pavilion

Synonyms: Noun

alcove, belvedere, casino, gazebo, kiosk, summerhouse

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Examples of pavilion in a Sentence

Noun

The World's Fair had numerous pavilions. the park's pavilions may be rented for wedding receptions and other social gatherings

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Using mostly recreation department budget funds, the plan is to build Safety Town on top of two Veterans Memorial Park tennis courts, which are located near the parking lot and pavilion, providing easier access for student drop-off and pickup. John Benson, cleveland.com, "Brooklyn plans to build $50,000 Safety Town at Veterans Memorial Park," 15 Aug. 2019 A pool house with a full bathroom also offers an ideal dining pavilion near a gas fireplace. Monica Lander, The Mercury News, "Sponsored: Custom homebuilder Brad Agler has done it again," 13 Aug. 2019 The Mississippi Gun Show had more fire power inside that pavilion. Condé Nast Traveler, "Author E. Jean Carroll on Her Feminist Road Trip Across America: Women Who Travel Podcast," 13 Aug. 2019 It was built as a traditional art gallery, and it’s surrounded by other pavilions. Brian T. Allen, National Review, "The American Pavilion in the Venice Biennale: Safe and Sorry," 10 Aug. 2019 Coton Frais, which features cotton clothing and cruise wear, is located across from the Nike Factory Store near the outlet’s food pavilion. Marcia Heroux Pounds, sun-sentinel.com, "Luxury retailers heading to Palm Beach Outlets," 8 Aug. 2019 The pavilion’s two walls not only provide a sense of enclosure but also conceal storage, support a TV and feature an opening that frames the landscape beyond. Emily Young, Los Angeles Times, "A tranquil garden getaway amid the hustle and bustle of Westwood," 3 Aug. 2019 So the architects designed a boardwalk that stretches some 1,500 feet and lined it with pavilions housing a beach office, restrooms, concessions and an education center. Blair Kamin, chicagotribune.com, "Column: Kings of the beach house: The little lakefront buildings of two Chicago architects show the way to design that enhances its environs.," 31 July 2019 Just said when park staff asked the gazebo group to return the tables so pavilion renters could use them, the gazebo users were upset, but returned the tables. Emma Keith, Detroit Free Press, "Group trashes Roseville park gazebo after being asked to remove bounce house," 29 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'pavilion.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of pavilion

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for pavilion

Noun

Middle English pavilloun, pavillioun, from Anglo-French, from Latin papilion-, papilio butterfly; perhaps akin to Old High German fīfaltra butterfly

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More Definitions for pavilion

pavilion

noun

English Language Learners Definition of pavilion

: a building in a park or garden that usually has open sides and is used for parties, concerts, or other events
: a temporary building that is used at public events and exhibitions
US : a large building that is used for sports or public events

pavilion

noun
pa·​vil·​ion | \ pə-ˈvil-yən How to pronounce pavilion (audio) \

Kids Definition of pavilion

1 : a very large tent
2 : a building usually with open sides that is used as a place for entertainment or shelter in a park or garden

pavilion

noun
pa·​vil·​ion | \ pə-ˈvil-yən How to pronounce pavilion (audio) \

Medical Definition of pavilion

1 : pinna
2 : a detached or semidetached part of a hospital devoted to a special use a maternity pavilion a nuclear medicine pavilion

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