Is meringue and pavlova the same thing?

Meringue and pavlova are not the same, though they share similarities. Meringue is a dessert made primarily from whipped egg whites and sugar, which can be baked into crisp shells or used as a topping. Pavlova, on the other hand, is a specific dessert that features a meringue base, typically baked to have a crisp exterior and a soft, marshmallow-like interior, often topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit. So, while pavlova contains meringue, it is a distinct dish with its own characteristics.