pompier

adjective

pom·​pier
in sense 1 ¦pämpē¦ā,
(ˈ)pämp¦yā,
in sense 2 (ˈ)päm¦pi(ə)r or like sense 1
1
: tritely or insipidly academic
pompier art
: marked by pretentious and stereotypical themes or treatment
a pompier stage setting
2
[French, fireman] : of or relating to the personal equipment of a fire-fighting crew
pompier hatchet

Word History

Etymology

French, from pompier pump maker, fireman, from pompe pump (from Italian pompa, perhaps from Spanish bomba) + -ier -er; from the alleged resemblance of armed heroes in academic mythological paintings to firemen

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near pompier

Cite this Entry

“Pompier.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pompier. Accessed 26 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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