# salon

/səˈɫɑn/ (US) · /sˈælɒn/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/salon
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. beauty business

noun · CEFR B1

a shop where you can get a haircut, a manicure, or other beauty treatments.

For teachers: a commercial establishment where customers receive cosmetic treatments, typically for hair, skin, or nails.

- She goes to the same hair salon every month to get her hair cut.
- The new beauty salon offers a wide range of services, including professional makeup application and advanced skincare treatments.

### 2. social gathering

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

a regular meeting of people, often in a private home, to talk about art, books, or politics.

For teachers: a periodic gathering of people of social or intellectual distinction, typically held in a private residence.

- In the past, famous writers would meet at a weekly salon to share their work.
- The countess hosted an influential literary salon where the city's most prominent intellectuals debated the merits of modern philosophy.

### 3. art exhibition

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

a large exhibition of paintings or sculptures, especially one held every year.

For teachers: a hall or gallery used for the exhibition of works of art; specifically, the annual exhibition of the French Academy.

- The artist was thrilled when her painting was finally accepted into the Paris Salon.
- During the nineteenth century, having a work displayed at the official Salon was essential for any artist seeking professional recognition.

### 4. reception room

noun · CEFR B2 · Formal

a large, elegant room in a big house used for meeting and entertaining guests.

For teachers: an elegant apartment or living room in a large house, designed for receiving and entertaining guests.

- The guests gathered in the salon for coffee after the formal dinner.
- The palace features a grand salon decorated with gold leaf and massive crystal chandeliers.

## Examples

- She visits the salon every month to get her hair colored.
- The local beauty salon offers a wide range of services including facials and professional makeup application.
- During the eighteenth century, the literary salon served as a vital intellectual hub where philosophers and writers could debate radical new ideas away from the strict control of the state.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.