Exhibit vs. Exhibition — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 9, 2023
An exhibit refers to an individual item or set of items displayed for public viewing. An exhibition is a larger organized event or show where multiple exhibits are presented.
Difference Between Exhibit and Exhibition
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
An exhibit is typically an individual object, artwork, or collection of items that are showcased for the purpose of public viewing. It's a single entity that stands as a representation or serves an illustrative purpose. For instance, in a museum, an ancient vase can be an exhibit. In contrast, an exhibition is a broader event or organized presentation where multiple exhibits come together. It's more comprehensive and often has a specific theme or narrative tying the individual exhibits together.
In the realm of art, an exhibit might refer to a singular painting by an artist displayed in a gallery. Whereas an exhibition might be a curated collection of multiple paintings or artworks by that artist or various artists, brought together under one roof for a specific period.
In legal contexts, an exhibit might refer to a document or physical object presented as evidence in court. On the other hand, an exhibition would be more related to the world of displays and shows and would not typically be used in a legal context in the same way.
Another way to perceive the difference is by scale and breadth. An exhibit is like a chapter of a book, while an exhibition is the entire book itself. The former is a piece of the whole, and the latter is the encompassing entity.
Comparison Chart
Definition
An individual item or set displayed
An organized event showcasing multiple exhibits
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Scale
Smaller in scope
Larger, comprehensive
Context
Can be a piece of art, evidence, etc.
Typically a themed show or event
Duration
Might be permanent or temporary
Has a defined start and end date
Relation
Part of an exhibition
Contains multiple exhibits
Compare with Definitions
Exhibit
A piece of evidence presented in court.
The lawyer presented the letter as an exhibit.
Exhibition
A demonstrative display of a specific capability.
The tech exhibition showcased cutting-edge innovations.
Exhibit
A public presentation or display.
The zoo's lion enclosure is a popular exhibit.
Exhibition
A themed organized presentation.
The museum is hosting a photography exhibition next month.
Exhibit
A tangible or visible representation.
The model is an exhibit of the proposed building.
Exhibition
An event showcasing talents or skills.
The dance exhibition was mesmerizing.
Exhibit
To show outwardly; display
Exhibited pleasure by smiling.
Exhibition
An exhibition, in the most general sense, is an organized presentation and display of a selection of items. In practice, exhibitions usually occur within a cultural or educational setting such as a museum, art gallery, park, library, exhibition hall, or World's fairs.
Exhibit
To present for others to see
Rolled up his sleeve to exhibit the scar.
Exhibition
The act or an instance of exhibiting.
Exhibit
To present in a public exhibition or contest
Exhibited her paintings at a gallery.
Exhibition
Something exhibited; an exhibit.
Exhibit
To give evidence or an instance of; demonstrate
Young musicians eager to exhibit their talent.
A plant that exhibits dimorphism.
Exhibition
A large-scale public showing, as of art objects or industrial or agricultural products.
Exhibit
To put something on public display.
Exhibition
Chiefly British A grant given to a scholar by a school or university.
Exhibit
A public showing; an exhibition
Spent the afternoon at the art exhibit.
Exhibition
An instance of exhibiting, or something exhibited.
Exhibit
Something exhibited
Each exhibit in the show took hours to assemble.
Exhibition
A large-scale public showing of objects or products.
There was an art exhibition on in the town hall.
A boat exhibition
Exhibit
(Law) Something marked for identification with the purpose of being introduced as evidence
Referred to Exhibit A.
Exhibition
A public display, intentional or otherwise, generally characterised as negative, a shameful exhibition or a disgusting exhibition
Exhibit
(Informal) Something used as an example, as when arguing or making a point
You never do your chores—Exhibit A.
Exhibition
A demonstration of personal skill or feelings.
Exhibit
(transitive) To display or show (something) for others to see, especially at an exhibition or contest.
He wanted to exhibit his baseball cards.
Exhibition
(UK) A financial award or prize given to a student (who becomes an exhibitioner) by a school or university, usually on the basis of academic merit.
Exhibit
(transitive) To demonstrate.
The players exhibited great skill.
Exhibition
(sports) A game which does not impact the standings for any major cup or competition.
Exhibit
To submit (a physical object) to a court as evidence.
I now exhibit this bloody hammer.
Exhibition
The act of exhibiting for inspection, or of holding forth to view; manifestation; display.
Exhibit
(intransitive) To put on a public display.
Will you be exhibiting this year?
Exhibition
That which is exhibited, held forth, or displayed; also, any public show; a display of works of art, or of feats of skill, or of oratorical or dramatic ability; as, an exhibition of animals; an exhibition of pictures, statues, etc.; an industrial exhibition.
Exhibit
(medicine) To administer as a remedy.
To exhibit calomel
Exhibition
Sustenance; maintenance; allowance, esp. for meat and drink; pension.
What maintenance he from his friends receives,Like exhibition thou shalt have from me.
I have given more exhibitions to scholars, in my days, than to the priests.
Exhibit
An instance of exhibiting.
Exhibition
The act of administering a remedy.
Exhibit
That which is exhibited.
Exhibition
The act of exhibiting;
A remarkable exhibition of musicianship
Exhibit
A public showing; an exhibition.
The museum's new exhibit is drawing quite a crowd.
Exhibition
A collection of things (goods or works of art etc.) for public display
Exhibit
(legal) An article formally introduced as evidence in a court.
Exhibit A is this photograph of the corpse.
Exhibition
A public show or display of art or products.
The art exhibition attracted visitors from all over the country.
Exhibit
To hold forth or present to view; to produce publicly, for inspection; to show, especially in order to attract notice to what is interesting; to display; as, to exhibit commodities in a warehouse, a picture in a gallery.
Exhibiting a miserable example of the weakness of mind and body.
Exhibition
A large-scale public event with multiple attractions.
The annual car exhibition is a major event in the city.
Exhibit
To submit, as a document, to a court or officer, in course of proceedings; also, to present or offer officially or in legal form; to bring, as a charge.
He suffered his attorney-general to exhibit a charge of high treason against the earl.
Exhibit
To administer as a remedy; as, to exhibit calomel.
Exhibit
Any article, or collection of articles, displayed to view, as in an industrial exhibition; a display; as, this exhibit was marked A; the English exhibit.
Exhibit
A document produced and identified in court for future use as evidence.
Exhibit
An object or statement produced before a court of law and referred to while giving evidence
Exhibit
Something shown to the public;
The museum had many exhibits of oriental art
Exhibit
Show an attribute, property, knowledge, or skill;
He exhibits a great talent
Exhibit
To show, make visible or apparent;
The Metropolitan Museum is exhibiting Goya's works this month
Why don't you show your nice legs and wear shorter skirts?
National leaders will have to display the highest skills of statesmanship
Exhibit
Show or demonstrate something to an interested audience;
She shows her dogs frequently
We will demo the new software in Washington
Exhibit
Walk ostentatiously;
She parades her new husband around town
Exhibit
A displayed object or set of objects.
The museum has a new exhibit on ancient Egypt.
Exhibit
An illustrative example.
The student's project was an exhibit of excellent research.
Common Curiosities
Is an exhibit always tangible?
Typically, yes, but it can also be a representation or illustrative example.
How long does an exhibition last?
It can vary, but it usually has a defined start and end date.
Can a museum have a permanent exhibit?
Yes, some exhibits can be permanent fixtures in museums.
Can one object be an entire exhibition?
It's rare, but if it has significant importance, it might be the centerpiece of an exhibition.
Do exhibitions always have a theme?
Most do, as a theme helps organize and give context to the exhibits.
Can an exhibit be a part of an exhibition?
Yes, exhibitions usually consist of multiple exhibits.
Can an exhibit be a piece of evidence?
Yes, in legal contexts, documents or objects can be exhibits.
Are exhibitions only related to art?
No, they can be about various subjects, like science, history, or technology.
What's the main difference between an exhibit and an exhibition?
An exhibit is a single displayed item, while an exhibition is an event with multiple exhibits.
Are trade shows considered exhibitions?
Yes, they are types of exhibitions showcasing products or services.
Can a person be an exhibit?
Not usually, but a person's work, artifacts, or contributions might be exhibited.
How is an exhibit different from a display?
An exhibit is usually more informative and might be part of an exhibition, while a display can be more generic.
Can photographs be exhibits?
Yes, photographs can be exhibits within art or thematic exhibitions.
Can an exhibit travel from one exhibition to another?
Yes, traveling exhibits move between different museums or venues.
Are all exhibitions open to the public?
Most are, but some might be private or require an invitation or ticket.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
