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
Explore Merriam-Webster
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
Recent Examples of pavilion from the Web
-
Porterco Conservation Trust, established to develop and oversee the Westchester Migratory Bird Sanctuary on 11th Street in Chesterton, will install the barrels at the pavilion.
-
Some of the pavilion’s remains are abandoned and crumbling.
-
Polo in the Park Two matches, followed by music in the pavilion. 7 p.m. Morven Park International Equestrian Center, 17195 Southern Planter Lane, Leesburg. 703-777-2414.
-
The largest single project — a full replacement of the sails pavilion’s fabric roof covering at a cost of $10.5 million — won’t begin until August and will require the 90,000-square-foot space to be shut down for six months.
-
Take a rowboat out from the lake’s northern shore; stroll through the Rose Garden; and snap a picture of the Palacio de Cristal, a stunning glass-and-cast-iron pavilion dating to 1887.
-
And the graceful scarlet bridge and classic Japanese-style pavilion will set fervent Instagrammers’ hearts a-flutter.
-
There are also go-karts, bumper cars, giant super slide, a Himalaya Viking Ride, laser maze, an Typhoon motor ride, outdoor picnic pavilion and arcade.
-
UAB's actual team can get some work under the pavilion soon.
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.
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
pavilion
Definition of pavilion
transitive verb
: to furnish or cover with or put in a pavilion
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!