exhibition
gb/ˌɛksɪbˈɪʃən/ us/ˌɛksɪbˈɪʃən/
B1
English
~ 1500
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
event
1
public display of items or art
An event where things like art, photos, or products are shown to the public.
Usage pattern:
an exhibition of [artworks/products/photographs]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'exhibition' with 'exhibit'. 'Exhibition' refers to the whole event, while 'exhibit' can mean a single item on display or the act of showing something.
Synonyms
show (More informal and general; can refer to any display or entertainment.)
|
display (Focuses on the arrangement or presentation rather than the event itself.)
Antonyms
private viewing (An event where items are shown to a selected audience, not the general public.)
Collocations
art exhibition
|photo exhibition
|hold an exhibition
|visit an exhibition
|open an exhibition
Themes
art
|culture
|events
|arts_entertainment
|education
Examples
- The museum is hosting a new exhibition of modern sculptures.
- We went to an exhibition of rare vintage cars.
- Her photographs were featured in a local art exhibition.
- The science fair included an exhibition of student inventions.
- The gallery's latest exhibition attracted hundreds of visitors.
Learner examples
- I saw a photo exhibition at the museum.
- We visited an art exhibition last week.
- The school had an exhibition of student paintings.
- He is preparing for his first exhibition.
- They opened a new exhibition in the city center.
Noun
B2
action
2
public display of skill or quality
When someone shows a skill or feeling in public.
Usage pattern:
an exhibition of [skill/strength/bravery]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'exhibition' here with 'competition'. An exhibition can be non-competitive and purely for display.
Synonyms
demonstration (Often used for practical skills or political protests; less formal in sports/art contexts.)
|
display (Can refer to showing emotions or abilities as well as physical objects.)
Antonyms
concealment (Hiding a skill, quality, or feeling from others.)
Collocations
an exhibition of courage
|an exhibition match
|an impressive exhibition
Themes
sports
|performance
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The match was an impressive exhibition of teamwork.
- Her speech was an exhibition of confidence and eloquence.
- They gave an exhibition of traditional dancing at the festival.
- The chef’s cooking was an exhibition of creativity.
- It was an exhibition of pure determination.
Learner examples
- He gave an exhibition of great skill.
- The game was an exhibition of strong teamwork.
- Her singing was an exhibition of talent.
- It was an exhibition of bravery.
- They made an exhibition of their best moves.
Noun
B1
event
3
non-competitive sports event for show
A game or match played for fun or to show skills, not to win a competition.
Usage pattern:
an exhibition [match/game]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes think 'exhibition match' means a match with displays or stalls; in sports it means non-competitive play.
Synonyms
friendly (In sports, refers to a non-competitive match, often between teams from different leagues.)
Antonyms
tournament match (A competitive match that is part of a formal contest or championship.)
Collocations
exhibition match
|exhibition game
|hold an exhibition
Themes
sports
|entertainment
|arts_entertainment
Examples
- The team played an exhibition match before the season began.
- They organized an exhibition game to raise money for charity.
- Fans enjoyed the exhibition match between the two rival teams.
- The basketball club hosted an exhibition against a visiting team.
Learner examples
- We watched an exhibition match yesterday.
- They played an exhibition game for fun.
- The team had an exhibition before the big tournament.
- An exhibition match can be exciting too.
Grammar
Dictionary form
exhibition
IPA
GB/ˌɛksɪbˈɪʃən/
US/ˌɛksɪbˈɪʃən/
Syllables & stress
ex - hib - i - tion (4 syllables)
Stress on 3rd syllable (i)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: exhibition
- Plural: exhibitions
Word family
Forms
exhibitions
noun
Core family
exhibit
verb B1
Related words
exhibitor
noun
Advanced or less common
exhibitionist
noun C1
Expressions
art exhibition
1/ˈɑɹt ˌɛksɪbˈɪʃən/
fixed phrase
public display of artworks
An event where paintings, drawings, or sculptures are shown to the public.
Examples
- The art exhibition attracted visitors from all over the country.
- She is preparing her paintings for the upcoming art exhibition.
exhibition match
1/ˌɛksɪbˈɪʃən mˈæt͡ʃ/
fixed phrase
non-competitive sports game for show
A game played mainly for fun or to show skills, not as part of a competition.
Examples
- They played an exhibition match before the official season started.
- The club hosted an exhibition match against the local champions.
hold an exhibition
1/hˈoʊld ən ˌɛksɪbˈɪʃən/
fixed phrase
organize a public display event
To arrange and show things like art or products to the public in an event.
Examples
- The city will hold an exhibition of local crafts next month.
- They held an exhibition to celebrate the company's anniversary.