exhibition

noun

ex·​hi·​bi·​tion ˌek-sə-ˈbi-shən 

1

: an act or instance of exhibiting

2

British : a grant drawn from the funds of a school or university to help maintain a student

3

: a public showing (as of works of art, objects of manufacture, or athletic skill)

an exhibition of early American crafts

an exhibition game

Synonyms of exhibition

• exhibit
• display

Examples of exhibition in a Sentence

There were several famous paintings at the exhibition.

an exhibition of early American crafts

helping to promote artists by exhibition of their paintings

Recent Examples on the Web

When Gunther von Hagens’s exhibition came to town, security guards worried less about theft than nausea. — Harrison Smith, Washington Post, 1 Aug. 2026

In past years a school could choose to play either two exhibition contests with fans and media allowed, two secret scrimmages (no fans and no TV coverage) or one secret scrimmage and one exhibition. — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 31 July 2026

The Met’s next fashion exhibition at the Costume Institute will feature British fashion maverick John Galliano. — Miles Socha, Footwear News, 31 July 2026

The Buffalo Chip schedule includes bike shows, stunt competitions, charity rides, bare-knuckle fighting and the Motorcycles As Art exhibition. — Josh Max, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing exhibition

• make an exhibition of oneself
• on exhibition
• self-exhibition

Rhymes for exhibition

• abolition
• acquisition
• admonition
• ammunition
• apparition
• apposition
• coalition
• competition
• composition
• definition
• deglutition
• demolition

Kids Definition

exhibition

noun

ex·​hi·​bi·​tion ˌek-sə-ˈbish-ən 

1

: an act or instance of exhibiting

2

: a public showing (as of works of art, manufactured goods, or athletic skill)