Search Dictionary
Definition of pavilion

pavilion

/pəˈvɪl.jən/
pa · vil · ion

Plural:pavilions
•
Past Simple:pavilioned
•
Past Participle:pavilioned
•
Present Participle:pavilioning
JUMP TO:

pavilion Lexical Profile

pavilion Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A light, usually open structure used for shelter, concerts, exhibits, or recreation, often situated in a park, large garden, or fairground.

Example

"The community jazz band played a lively concert at the park pavilion on Sunday afternoon."


2

A prominent, projecting subdivision of a monumental building, usually located at the center or the ends and featuring its own distinct roofline.

Example

"The museum's eastern pavilion houses a remarkable collection of Renaissance art."


3

A large, elaborate tent, traditionally one with a peaked top used by royalty or military commanders in historical encampments.

Example

"The knights gathered in the king's grand pavilion to discuss their strategy for the upcoming joust."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for pavilion

• verb

1

To enclose, shelter, or furnish with a pavilion or a tent.

Example

"The organizers pavilioned the VIP viewing area to protect the special guests from the sudden afternoon rain."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for pavilion

• Rhymes for pavilion

Word Origin & Etymology

From Middle English pavilioun, borrowed from Old French paveillon ('tent'), derived from Latin papilio ('butterfly', and later 'tent'), likely because the flaps of an elaborate tent resembled a butterfly's spread wings.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Pavilion. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/pavilion
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Dictionary & Reference
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.