pavilion

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a light, often open-sided roofed structure used for shelter or recreation in a park, garden, or public place

   Visitors gathered beneath the illuminated pavilion on the pier.

2. 2
   noun

   a temporary or purpose-built structure used for exhibitions, public events, sports, or entertainment

   Each country displayed its work in a separate exhibition pavilion.

3. 3
   noun

   one building or projecting wing within a larger complex

   The new surgical unit occupies the hospital's east pavilion.

From Middle English pavilloun and Old French pavillon, from Latin papilio ("butterfly; tent"). The tent sense probably arose because the spread fabric was likened to a butterfly's wings, and the word later broadened to light buildings and wings of larger complexes.

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