A pavilion is a building, often decorative or temporary, designed for a specific purpose like gathering, entertainment, or display. At a park or fair, you might see an open pavilion where families can have picnics under a roof but still enjoy the breeze. At a hospital, a pavilion might be a separate wing or building connected to the main structure.

Pavilions often have a light, airy quality. They're usually more graceful than practical buildings like warehouses or garages. World's fairs and exhibitions feature national pavilions where countries showcase their culture and achievements. A school might have a pavilion near the sports field where teams gather before games or spectators watch from the shade.

In cricket, the pavilion is where players wait when they're not batting or fielding. When a batter gets out, announcers say they're “heading back to the pavilion.”

Some pavilions are permanent structures in gardens or estates, designed as beautiful spots to sit and enjoy the view. Others are temporary, set up for festivals or concerts and then taken down. What makes something a pavilion rather than just a building is usually its openness, its decorative purpose, or its role as a special gathering place rather than someone's everyday workspace or home.