grandeur

noun

gran·​deur ˈgran-jər How to pronounce grandeur (audio)
-ˌju̇r,
-ˌd(y)u̇r,
-d(y)ər
1
: the quality or state of being grand : magnificence
the glory that was Greece and the grandeur that was RomeE. A. Poe
2
: an instance or example of grandeur
visited the awesome grandeurs of the American West

Examples of grandeur in a Sentence

His paintings capture the beauty and grandeur of the landscape. They are restoring the hotel to its original grandeur.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In a recent poll, our readers overwhelmingly crowned the Guardian Building as Detroit's top historic structure, celebrated for its colorful grandeur that evokes both churches and banks. Annalise Frank, Axios, 3 Apr. 2025 And because no Baroque masterpiece is complete without a nod to the divine, a private chapel graces the estate, adding an air of spiritual grandeur. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 31 Mar. 2025 Snaking through the salons of an old Paris mansion, the circuitous catwalk is marked with bundles of spindly wood branches and vibrant floral blooms, adornments that add an ethereal air to the silk-stocking grandeur. Courtney Crowder, USA TODAY, 22 Mar. 2025 Many pieces were restored or sourced to reflect the home’s original grandeur. Shivani Vora, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for grandeur

Word History

Etymology

French, from Old French, from grand

First Known Use

1632, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of grandeur was in 1632

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Grandeur.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/grandeur. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

grandeur

noun
gran·​deur ˈgran-jər How to pronounce grandeur (audio)
1
: the quality or state of being grand : awe-inspiring magnificence
2
: something that is grand

More from Merriam-Webster on grandeur

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!