pavilion

noun pa·vil·ion \ pə-ˈvil-yən \

Updated on: 16 May 2018

Definition of pavilion

1 a : 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

2 a : 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

3 a : 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 ¹girdle 2) — see brilliant illustration

See pavilion defined for English-language learners

See pavilion defined for kids

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

For the larger events, an all-weather pavilion adjacent to the Woodlands’ first hole is frequently utilized.

— brent kennedy, baltimoresun.com, "The Woodlands Golf Course," 11 May 2018
There are boardwalks adjoined by pavilions for resting in the shade and gazing across the sea.

— amy aumick, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Explore Florida's Escambia County: Escape Pensacola's bustle on Perdido Key," 7 May 2018
The expansion also will feature new gardens, a greenhouse, an open pavilion with solar panels to help power the facility and a terraced lawn amphitheater for cooking demonstrations and other events.

— keiko morris, WSJ, "In the Botanical Garden, Construction Workers Tiptoe Quietly," 6 May 2018
This year’s pavilion celebrates the tricentennial of the founding of New Orleans.

— paul de revere, Billboard, "2018 Jazz Fest Day 4: Lionel Richie Charms, Old Crow Medicine Show Pay Tribute to New Orleans & More," 4 May 2018
The flashbacks are varied, from wide-eyed country kids on an adventure to couples on honeymoons and locals working at pavilions representing more than 30 countries from around the globe.

— vincent t. davis, San Antonio Express-News, "50th Anniversary of HemisFair ’68 sparks memories for visitors to venue," 6 Apr. 2018
The Corrells created a small pavilion with a seating area, fireplace and TV.

— diane cowen, Houston Chronicle, "A dramatic home makeover to inspire you," 6 Apr. 2018
Sliding glass doors open from the main house to a large covered pavilion with a fireplace.

— neal j. leitereg, latimes.com, "Onetime Robert Blake home is ready to cast a new owner in Studio City," 14 Mar. 2018
At his Fall 2018 womenswear show, Ghesquière transformed the Louvre’s central pavilion from a Napoleonic court into a 22nd-century spaceship, tracing a course for models to walk that seemed to defy time itself.

— steff yotka, Vogue, "Louis Vuitton’s Spaceship Touches Down on the Louvre," 7 Mar. 2018

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 13th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

pavilion Synonyms

Synonyms

alcove, belvedere, casino, gazebo, kiosk, summerhouse;

Related Words

trellis;

Other Architecture Terms

buttress, casita, cornice, fanlight, garret, lintel, parapet, pilaster, plinth

pavilion

verb

Definition of pavilion

transitive verb

: to furnish or cover with or put in a pavilion

First Known Use of pavilion

14th century

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

Other Architecture Terms

buttress, casita, cornice, fanlight, garret, lintel, parapet, pilaster, plinth

PAVILION Defined for English Language Learners

pavilion

noun

Definition 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