1
: a show of magnificence : splendor
every day begins … in a pomp of flaming coloursF. 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
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.
His pontificate has been defined by a rejection of pomp. Timothy Nerozzi, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 28 Feb. 2025 The Black History Month reception held at the White House on Thursday had all of the pomp of celebrations past. Erica L. Green, New York Times, 21 Feb. 2025 There was plenty of pomp in the opening ceremony with the Pakistan Air Force lighting up the sky in the national colors of green and white, while the country's president Asif Ali Zardari stood center stage next to the literal trophy in an opportunity to flex some political muscle. Tristan Lavalette, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025 Amid the ceremonial pomp, the coin’s value skyrocketed by over 300 percent over the weekend. George Nelson, ARTnews.com, 23 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pomp

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of pomp was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pomp.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pomp. Accessed 5 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

pomp

noun
1
: a show of magnificence : splendor
the pomp of a royal ceremony
2
: showy display

More from Merriam-Webster on pomp

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