Exhibition: meaning, definitions and examples

🖼️
Add to dictionary

exhibition

 

[ ˌɛksɪˈbɪʃ(ə)n ]

Context #1 | Noun

art display

A public display of works of art or items of interest, typically held in an art gallery or museum.

Synonyms

display, presentation, show.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
exhibition

Used for organized public events where artworks, collectibles, or other items of interest are displayed.

  • The art exhibition at the museum attracts thousands of visitors each year.
  • She attended the exhibition on natural history last weekend.
show

A broad term that can refer to a performance or entertainment event or any type of public spectacle. It can also be informal referring to anything on display.

  • We went to see a Broadway show last night.
  • The fashion show featured the latest designs from top designers.
  • He put on quite a show with his magic tricks.
display

Refers to the act of showing something for people to look at or an arrangement of items set out for viewing.

  • The store had a beautiful display of their latest products in the window.
  • There was a display of fireworks during the festival.
presentation

Refers to the act of presenting information or an idea to an audience, often in a professional or educational setting.

  • Her presentation on climate change was very informative.
  • The student gave a presentation about his research project to the class.

Examples of usage

  • The new exhibition at the museum features paintings from the 19th century.
  • She was excited to attend the photography exhibition at the art gallery.
  • The exhibition showcased a wide range of sculptures by local artists.
Context #2 | Noun

trade fair

A public display of products or services for businesses to showcase and promote their offerings.

Synonyms

expo, fair, trade show.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
exhibition

Used for events where items like art, historical artifacts, or cultural displays are shown to the public for educational or thematic purposes.

  • The museum is hosting an exhibition of ancient Egyptian artifacts.
  • The artist's latest exhibition showcases his work from the last decade.
expo

Used for large-scale events that display and promote products, services, or technological advancements, often geared toward both industry professionals and the general public.

  • The tech expo attracted thousands of visitors interested in the latest gadgets.
  • We attended the health and wellness expo to learn about new fitness equipment.
fair

Used for public events that are typically more casual and festive, offering various activities, games, local crafts, food stalls, and sometimes exhibitions.

  • We took the kids to the county fair for a day of fun rides and games.
  • The local art fair featured stalls from various crafters and artists.
trade show

Used for industry-specific events where businesses in a particular sector showcase their latest products and services to other businesses, potential buyers, and industry media.

  • The electronics trade show is the perfect place to discover the latest innovations in consumer tech.
  • Our company will have a booth at the automotive trade show next month.

Examples of usage

  • The company participated in an international exhibition to attract new clients.
  • The technology exhibition is a great opportunity to network with industry professionals.
  • The annual car exhibition in the city draws in thousands of visitors.

Translations

Translations of the word "exhibition" in other languages:

🇵🇹 exposição

🇮🇳 प्रदर्शनी

🇩🇪 Ausstellung

🇮🇩 pameran

🇺🇦 виставка

🇵🇱 wystawa

🇯🇵 展示会 (てんじかい)

🇫🇷 exposition

🇪🇸 exposición

🇹🇷 sergi

🇰🇷 전시회 (jeonsihoe)

🇸🇦 معرض

🇨🇿 výstava

🇸🇰 výstava

🇨🇳 展览 (zhǎnlǎn)

🇸🇮 razstava

🇮🇸 sýning

🇰🇿 көрме

🇬🇪 გამოფენა

🇦🇿 sərgi

🇲🇽 exposición

Etymology

The word 'exhibition' originated in the late 16th century from the Latin word 'exhibitio', which means a showing or presenting. It has been used to describe public displays of various kinds, from art exhibitions to trade fairs, throughout history. Exhibitions have served as platforms for showcasing creativity, innovation, and culture to a wide audience.

See also: exhibit, exhibitable, exhibited, exhibitionism.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,216, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.