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 Words From

• unpa·vilioned 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

Penarth Pier, now 117 years old and instantly recognisable with its art deco styled pavilion building, permits fishing for nine months of the year.

From BBC

During World War One the pavilion was a US Navy hospital and the hall was lined with beds filled with casualties.

From BBC

So when his father picked him up and — surprise! — showed him tickets in the right-field pavilion and headed directly for Chavez Ravine, Zachary was beyond thrilled.

From Los Angeles Times

It sure felt like it, the ball soaring into the right-field pavilion while Dodger Stadium rolled and shook with a roar that could be heard all the way to Times Square.

From Los Angeles Times

Under that arrangement, the veterans would be able to dictate hours the school could use the facilities, which include a football stadium, basketball pavilion, Olympic pool and weight room.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• structure