exhibition

American  

[ek-suh-bish-uhn] / ˌɛk səˈbɪʃ ən /

noun

• exhibitions
  plural

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

Derived Forms

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

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• exhibitions
  plural

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

See Examples For:

exhibition exhibitions

The exhibition explores the connection between sight and sound through scenes of New York City alongside portraits of jazz musicians.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 1, 2026

"I believe deeply in the responsibility of museums to examine difficult histories with rigor, candor, and care. I also recognize the pain and concern this exhibition has caused," he said in a statement.

From Barron's ● Aug. 31, 2026

The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York had announced an exhibition titled John Galliano: Horizons that was due to open in May 2027.

From BBC ● Aug. 31, 2026

The exhibition includes the North American museum debut of two installations in addition to daily live performances and other works made during the past two decades.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 30, 2026

Every June during the time of our school exhibition, the graduating class gave orations and dialogues on Friday night.

From "Cold Sassy Tree" by Olive Ann Burns

Residents say they learned of the scheme only when it was announced in January, and that meetings since have felt like exhibitions rather than consultations.

From BBC ● Aug. 27, 2026

The videos were taken at defensive weapon exhibitions all across the U.S.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 13, 2026

Cuba's Communist Party has spent the week celebrating the late revolutionary leader with exhibitions, concerts and conferences.

From Barron's ● Aug. 11, 2026

Sold-out exhibitions of the Sanxingdui treasures have crisscrossed the country.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 8, 2026

“We are making arrangements for a series of simultaneous exhibitions and matches for early next year. We are also considering an exhibition match where Bobby would play the entire Dutch Olympic team simultaneously.”

From "Endgame" by Frank Brady