exhibition
/ˌeks.ɪˈbɪʃ.ən/ IELTSAcademic
noun
An exhibition is a public display of objects, art, photos, or products. It is often arranged in a gallery, museum, school, or trade fair.
- We visited an exhibition of old photographs.
- Her paintings are in the exhibition this week.
- The company held an exhibition of new devices.
Adinary Nuance
An exhibition is more formal and organized than a show. It usually suggests a planned display for the public, often in a museum, gallery, or event space. Use show for something broader or more casual, like a TV show or a school show.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- triển lãm
- Spanish
- exposición
- Chinese
- 展览
- Japanese
- 展示会
- Korean
- 전시회
Etymology
Exhibition comes from Latin exhibere, meaning “to show” or “to present.” It entered English through Old French in the late Middle Ages.
Common phrases
art exhibitionphoto exhibitiontrade exhibitiontraveling exhibition
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is exhibition formal or informal English?
- It is fairly formal. People often use it in writing, museums, and business events.
- What is the difference between exhibition and show?
- An exhibition is usually a planned public display. A show is broader and can be less formal.
- Can I use exhibition for art?
- Yes. Art exhibition is a very common phrase.
- Is exhibition used in business English?
- Yes. Trade exhibition is common for business events and product displays.