pa·vil·ion
pə-ˈvil-yən 
1
a
: a large often sumptuous tent
the white pavilions of the Turkish irregular cavalry—
A. H. Layard
A. H. Layard
b
: something resembling a canopy or tent
tree ferns spread their delicate pavilions—Blanche E. Baughan
Blanche E. Baughan2
a
: a part of a building projecting from the rest
… rang the bell of the little pavilion …—Gertrude Stein
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 girdle entry 1 sense 2) see brilliant illustration
pavilioned; pavilioning; pavilions
: to furnish or cover with or put in a pavilion
Examples of pavilion in a Sentence
Noun
The World's Fair had numerous pavilions.
the park's pavilions may be rented for wedding receptions and other social gatherings
Recent Examples on the Web
Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 24 Oct. 2025
Many reviewers credited the beach’s immaculate facilities and amenities— including bathrooms, charcoal grills, tables, and picnic pavilions—for making their visits true trips to paradise.
—Lydia Price, Travel + Leisure, 22 Oct. 2025
My massage is set in an open-air pavilion, just above the water.
—Shelby Stewart, Essence, 22 Oct. 2025
After hiking, visitors can enjoy s'mores, hot chocolate and tea at the education pavilion.
—Arkansas Online, 21 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pavilion
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Noun
The result is a home that feels both urbane and serene—more Kyoto pavilion than New York penthouse.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 24 Oct. 2025
Many reviewers credited the beach’s immaculate facilities and amenities— including bathrooms, charcoal grills, tables, and picnic pavilions—for making their visits true trips to paradise.
—Lydia Price, Travel + Leisure, 22 Oct. 2025
My massage is set in an open-air pavilion, just above the water.
—Shelby Stewart, Essence, 22 Oct. 2025
After hiking, visitors can enjoy s'mores, hot chocolate and tea at the education pavilion.
—Arkansas Online, 21 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pavilion
Cite this Entry
“Pavilion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pavilion. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
pavilion
noun
pa·vil·ion
pə-ˈvil-yən
1
: pinna
2
: a detached or semidetached part of a hospital devoted to a special use
a maternity pavilion
a nuclear medicine pavilion
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share