exposition

play

noun ex·po·si·tion \ˌek-spə-ˈzi-shən\

Definition of exposition

1 : a setting forth of the meaning or purpose (as of a writing)
2a : discourse or an example of it designed to convey information or explain what is difficult to understandb (1) : the first part of a musical composition in sonata form in which the thematic material of the movement is presented (2) : the opening section of a fugue
3 : a public exhibition or show

expositional

play \ˌek-spə-ˈzish-nəl, -ˈzi-shə-n^əl\ adjective

See exposition defined for English-language learners

See exposition defined for kids

Examples of exposition in a Sentence

This is not an easy book, and the reader may find the layers of detail challenging. There are long expositions of the knotty tangles of monarchical lineage, and the necessary chronicle of historical events occasionally consumes the novel's narrative drive. —Lucy Lethbridge, Commonweal, 23 Oct. 2009
He is masterly in absorbing information and masterful in organizing it—skeptical of fashion, clear in exposition, fluent in communication, unremittingly scholarly. —Felipe Fernandez-Armesto, New York Times Book Review, 11 June 2000
Although they were invited to use an early X ray machine on display at the exposition, they turned down the offer, and they never found the bullet. —T. Burton Smith, American Heritage, September 1992
The subject requires some exposition.
a clear exposition of his ideas

Recent Examples of exposition from the Web

But it is hobbled by a tiresome load of exposition, spurts of tedium, some near-impenetrable accents and caricatures of those at the bottom of the class heap Wimsey strides atop.

— misha berson, The Seattle Times, "Review: Newlywed sleuths can’t get a break in ‘Busman’s Honeymoon’", 2 June 2017
It was relocated briefly to the Panama-California Exposition fairgrounds in 1915 and moved permanently to the park in 1922.

— roger showley, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Sale of historic Balboa Park Carousel imminent", 1 June 2017
But things change (and the pace picks up considerably from its exposition-heavy, conflict-free intro) when Capt.

— jon niccum, kansascity, "They’re wonderful: Gal Gadot and Chris Pine come to the rescue in ‘Wonder Woman’", 31 May 2017
Salute to military at fair Monday is Military Appreciation Day at the Sacramento County Fair at Cal Expo, 1600 Exposition Blvd.

— sacbee, "Today in Sacramento: Here’s what you need to know for Monday", 28 May 2017
The script needs a whole lot of exposition, which is sorely lacking.

— michael heaton, cleveland.com, "'The Lovers' are star-crossed by a weak script (review)", 26 May 2017
This is at once a thriller, a story of middle-aged angst, an exposition of international law and an exploration of an intensely serious and very nasty episode in recent history.

— ben macintyre, New York Times, "Scott Turow’s New Thriller Investigates a Massacre in Bosnia", 16 May 2017
A conference and exposition, New Media's target audience consists of business and technical executives, interactive information providers, distributors, and professional users.

— wired staff, WIRED, "Deductible Junkets", 1 Jan. 1994

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