exhibition

American  

[ek-suh-bish-uhn] / ˌɛk səˈbɪʃ ən /

noun

1. an exhibiting, showing, or presenting to view.

2. a public display, as of the work of artists or artisans, the products of farms or factories, the skills of performers, or objects of general interest.

3. an exposition or large fair of extended duration, as a world's fair.

4. British. an allowance given to a student in a college, university, or school, usually upon the result of a competitive examination.

5. Medicine/Medical Obsolete. administration, as of a remedy.

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exhibition British  

/ ˌɛksɪˈbɪʃən /

noun

1. a public display of art, products, skills, activities, etc

   a judo exhibition

2. the act of exhibiting or the state of being exhibited

3. to behave so foolishly in public that one excites notice or ridicule

4. an allowance or scholarship awarded to a student at a university or school

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exhibition Idioms  

1. see make an exhibition of oneself.

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Other Word Forms

• nonexhibition
  noun
• preexhibition
  noun
• reexhibition
  noun
• self-exhibition
  noun

Etymology

Origin of exhibition

1275–1325; Middle English exhibicion < Late Latin exhibitiōn- (stem of exhibitiō ) a presenting. See exhibit, -ion

Explanation

An exhibition is a collection of items for public display, like an exhibition of children’s artwork, antique vases, or memorabilia from a science fiction movie series. In the 19th century, exhibition was used to refer to a collection of objects, while exhibit designated a single item in an exhibition. Nowadays, exhibition and exhibit are often used interchangeably. Exhibition comes from the Latin ex-, meaning "out," and habere, meaning "hold" — as objects in an exhibition are "held out," or shown, to the public. The h in "hold out" might help you remember to include the h when spelling exhibition.

Example Sentences

More than 20,000 pooches of varying size, shape and personality will descend on Birmingham's National Exhibition Centre for the four-day showcase, with one claiming the coveted "Best in Show" crown late Sunday.

From Barron's • Mar. 5, 2026

Roth made his way to Bloomington, Ill., apprenticing himself to an architect, later returning to Chicago, where he found work on the 1893 World’s Columbian Exhibition.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 23, 2026

Exhibition design firm Kossmanndejong joins Weiss/Manfredi alongside architect lead Gruen Associates in La Brea Tar Pits’ ongoing revamp.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 22, 2026

Inspections identified essential repairs were required on the Grade II-listed, internationally renowned bridge, which was once chosen to feature in the Twentieth Century Engineering Exhibition at New York's Museum of Modern Art.

From BBC • Aug. 26, 2025

Of course, turn left at the lights up Exhibition Road.

From "Stormbreaker" by Anthony Horowitz