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

What better way to wish him well, and to register our scorn at the treacherous flow of time, than to behold him in his pomp? —Anthony Lane, The New Yorker, 11 Apr. 2024

The original Dragon’s Dogma, from 2012, married robust combat with slow, methodical adventuring and baroque, anime-esque pomp. —Lewis Gordon, New York Times, 21 Mar. 2024

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

Kids Definition

pomp

noun

ˈpämp 

1

: a show of magnificence : splendor

the pomp of a royal ceremony

2

: showy display