pavilion

[puh-vil-yuhn]

noun

1. a light, usually open building used for shelter, concerts, exhibits, etc., as in a park or fair.

2. any of a number of separate or attached buildings forming a hospital or the like.

3. Architecture.,  a projecting element of a façade, used especially at the center or at each end and usually treated so as to suggest a tower.

4. a tent, especially a large and elaborate one.

5. a small, ornamental building in a garden.

6. Also called base. Jewelry.,  the part of a cut gem below the girdle.

verb (used with object)

1. to shelter in or as if in a pavilion.

2. to furnish with pavilions.

pavilion

/ pəˈvɪljən /

noun

1. a building at a sports ground, esp a cricket pitch, in which players change

2. a summerhouse or other decorative shelter

3. a building or temporary structure, esp one that is open and ornamental, for housing exhibitions

4. a large ornate tent, esp one with a peaked top, as used by medieval armies

5. one of a set of buildings that together form a hospital or other large institution

6. one of four main facets on a brilliant-cut stone between the girdle and the culet

verb

1. to place or set in or as if in a pavilion

   pavilioned in splendour

2. to provide with a pavilion or pavilions

Other Word Forms

• unpavilioned adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of pavilion¹

1250–1300; Middle English pavilon < Old French paveillon < Latin pāpiliōn- (stem of pāpiliō ) butterfly

Word History and Origins

Origin of pavilion¹

C13: from Old French pavillon canopied structure, from Latin pāpiliō butterfly, tent

Example Sentences

Israel's defence ministry called the move a "deliberate and regrettable act of discrimination" and said it would be withdrawing and not setting up a national pavilion.

From BBC

The backyard is anchored around an open-air pavilion that serves as a dining room, which was created from existing four steel columns and steel beams installed on a concrete pad.

From Los Angeles Times

Now the same arm was strapped under his England sweater as he descended the pavilion stairs, putting his broken body on the line for the Three Lions on his chest.

From BBC

Critics counter that the White House already has ample event spaces like the State Dining Room, East Room and South Lawn pavilions to host even the grandest gatherings.

From Salon

The coffin, bedecked with flowers, was opened at a pavilion in the cemetery.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• structure