What does exhibition mean?
An exhibition is a curated public display of objects — most often works of art, but also photographs, historical artefacts, scientific specimens, or commercial products — arranged for visitors to view in a gallery, museum, trade hall, or similar venue. Exhibitions are typically organized around a theme, artist, period, or subject, and may be temporary or permanent. Beyond the art world, the word also describes the act of displaying a skill or quality, as in 'an exhibition of bravery', and appears in sports for games played for spectacle rather than standings, such as an exhibition match. The term derives from the Latin exhibere, meaning 'to hold out' or 'to present', which captures its essential purpose: putting something before the public eye. Neutral in tone but strongly associated with culture and learning, it is indispensable vocabulary for anyone writing about museums, galleries, or public events.
nounA public display of works of art, items of interest, or other objects, typically held in a gallery, museum, or hall. It can also refer to the act of showing or displaying something to an audience.
- A public display of artworks, historical objects, or other items of interest, usually organized around a theme and shown in a gallery, museum, or similar venue.
- An act of showing or displaying something, especially a demonstration of a skill or quality (as in 'an exhibition of courage').
- A sporting event played for entertainment or practice rather than serious competition, as in an 'exhibition match' or 'exhibition game'.
"The gallery's new exhibition of Impressionist paintings drew record crowds."
"She spent the afternoon wandering through a photography exhibition at the city museum."
"The young player scored twice in what was only an exhibition game."
Regular plural; used when referring to multiple displays or events.
"The museum hosts several exhibitions each year."
The word 'exhibition' comes from Latin 'exhibere' — literally 'to hold out' — so every time you visit one, artists are quite literally holding their work out for you to take in.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of exhibition
Exhibition entered English in the early 17th century, borrowed from Late Latin exhibitio, itself from the verb exhibere, formed from ex- ('out') plus habere ('to have or hold'), literally 'to hold out'. Its earliest English uses referred to the act of presenting or producing something — documents, evidence, even feelings — before narrowing toward its modern sense of a public display of art and curiosities. It shares this Latin root with related words such as inhibit and prohibit, whose prefixes reverse or redirect the sense of holding.
How exhibition is actually used
'Exhibition' is standard in both British and American English, though American usage sometimes favors 'exhibit' for the display event itself. The word carries a neutral-to-positive connotation and is common in formal and journalistic writing about the arts.
Easily confused with exhibition
An exhibition is a public display of objects or works; an exhibitionist is someone who behaves in an extravagant way designed to attract attention (or, clinically, who exposes themselves publicly).
An exposition is a large-scale public show such as a world's fair, while exhibition more commonly refers to a display of art or artifacts in a gallery or museum.