pageantry

noun

pag·​eant·​ry ˈpa-jən-trē How to pronounce pageantry (audio)
1
: pageants and the presentation of pageants
2
: colorful, rich, or splendid display : spectacle
3
: mere show : empty display

Examples of pageantry in a Sentence

I like the tradition and pageantry that come with graduations.
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.
But the 17 days of competition and pageantry cost far more than planned and created yet more debt as a result of big-ticket infrastructure projects designed to showcase Athens as the Games’ host. Alan Cowell, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2025 While the Indiana Fever literally rolled out the red carpet to introduce Caitlin Clark, the Sky skipped the pageantry and instead offered up an event that had all the charisma of a suburban town hall meeting. Justin Kaufmann, Axios, 23 Dec. 2024 Every 25 years, Rome becomes the epicenter of one of the Catholic world’s most extraordinary celebrations: the Jubilee Year, a centuries-old tradition combining spirituality, pageantry, and an influx of global visitors. Erica Firpo, AFAR Media, 20 Dec. 2024 Now, Voigt is moving on from pageantry to wedding planning. Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 3 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for pageantry 

Word History

First Known Use

1609, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pageantry was in 1609

Dictionary Entries Near pageantry

Cite this Entry

“Pageantry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pageantry. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

pageantry

noun
pag·​eant·​ry ˈpaj-ən-trē How to pronounce pageantry (audio)
plural pageantries
1
: pageants and the presentation of pageants
2
: splendid display

More from Merriam-Webster on pageantry

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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