pomp

noun

ˈpämp 

1

: a show of magnificence : splendor

every day begins … in a pomp of flaming colours

—F. D. Ommanney

2

: a ceremonial or festival display (such as a train of followers or a pageant)

3

a

: ostentatious display : vainglory

b

: an ostentatious gesture or act

Examples of pomp in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But Fraser retains her cocked eyebrow, ever aware that the pomp is in service of a product for which demand has been calculatingly manufactured. —Rachel Syme, New Yorker, 4 May 2025

Behind the numbers and beneath the pomp is Chef Robert Lopez, senior executive chef for Levy and the culinary mind behind one of the most ambitious menus in American sports. —Nasha Smith, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025

The scenes on this planet emphasize pomp and pageantry as well as the finer points of diplomacy. —Noel Murray, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2025

But no amount of pomp and hype can make something true. —Wired Staff, WIRED, 24 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French pompe, from Latin pompa procession, pomp, from Greek pompē act of sending, escort, procession, pomp, from pempein to send

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing pomp

• pomp and circumstance

Rhymes for pomp

• comp
• pompe
• romp
• stomp
• swamp

Kids Definition

pomp

noun

ˈpämp 

1

: a show of magnificence : splendor

the pomp of a royal ceremony

2

: showy display