Definition of pavilion
1a : a large often sumptuous tent the white pavilions of the Turkish irregular cavalry — A. H. Layardb : 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 Steinb : 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 pavilionb : 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 1girdle 2) — see brilliant illustration
From the M-W Editors
Examples of pavilion in a Sentence
The World's Fair had numerous pavilions.
the park's pavilions may be rented for wedding receptions and other social gatherings
Origin and Etymology of pavilion
Middle English pavilloun, pavillioun, from Anglo-French, from Latin papilion-, papilio butterfly; perhaps akin to Old High German fīfaltra butterfly
First Known Use: 13th century
pavilion
Definition of pavilion
transitive verb
: to furnish or cover with or put in a pavilion
14th Century
First Known Use of pavilion
14th century
PAVILION Defined for English Language Learners
pavilion
playDefinition of pavilion for English Language Learners
-
: 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
-
: a large building that is used for sports or public events
PAVILION Defined for Kids
pavilion
playDefinition of pavilion for Students
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
Medical Dictionary
Learn More about pavilion
-
See words that rhyme with pavilion Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for pavilion Spanish Central: Translation of pavilion Nglish: Translation of pavilion for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of pavilion for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pavilion
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up pavilion? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!