pomp

[pomp]

noun

1. stately or splendid display; splendor; magnificence.

2. ostentatious or vain display, especially of dignity or importance.

3. pomps, pompous displays, actions, or things.

   The official was accompanied by all the pomps of his high position.

4. Archaic.,  a stately or splendid procession; pageant.

pomp

/ pɒmp /

noun

1. stately or magnificent display; ceremonial splendour

2. vain display, esp of dignity or importance

3. obsolete,  a procession or pageant

Other Word Forms

• pompless adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of pomp¹

1275–1325; Middle English < Latin pompa display, parade, procession < Greek pompḗ originally, a sending, akin to pémpein to send

Word History and Origins

Origin of pomp¹

C14: from Old French pompe, from Latin pompa procession, from Greek pompē; related to Greek pompein to send

Example Sentences

Unlike today, the welcome at the airport was understated, devoid of the pomp and circumstance NFL players now receive.

From Los Angeles Times

For his sole Fourth of July column, he urged people to tone down their pomp and circumstance and to relate to their fellow Americans rather than “to fixed ideas that apparently are not working.”

From Los Angeles Times

But pomp and ceremony for President Putin should not be among them, he said.

From BBC

“He does not expect or pursue pomp or circumstance.”

From Los Angeles Times

Scheffler is conquering the men's game like nobody since Woods in his pomp.

From BBC

Related Words

• fanfare 
• formality 
• grandeur 
• solemnity 
• splendor 

When To Use

What are other ways to say pomp?

Pomp refers to stately or splendid display, or to display that is ostentatious or vain. When should you use pomp over show, display, or ostentation? Find out on Thesaurus.com.