bombast

[ bom-bast ]

noun

1. speech too pompous for an occasion; pretentious words.
2. Obsolete. cotton or other material used to stuff garments; padding.

adjective

1. Obsolete. bombastic.

bombast

/ ˈbɒmbæst /

noun

1. pompous and grandiloquent language
2. obsolete.
   material used for padding

Derived Forms

• bomˈbastic, adjective
• bomˈbastically, adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of bombast¹

1560–70; earlier bombace padding < Middle French < Medieval Latin bombācem, accusative of bombāx; bombax family

Word History and Origins

Origin of bombast¹

C16: from Old French bombace , from Medieval Latin bombāx cotton; see bombacaceous

Example Sentences

As Trump crosses the line from ignorant bombast to dangerous, Fox News will eventually have to abandon him, given his lame duck status.

From Salon

Carter may have lacked Trump's bombast and charisma but made up for that with a sincerity and substance that we are guaranteed to sorely miss in the years ahead.

From Salon

When Trump comes riding six white horses as he gallops back into the White House, he will have a young, inexperienced adult known for bombast speaking for him.

From Salon

The hope among many in Mexico is that, once in office, Trump’s actions will prove less harsh than his campaign bombast.

From Los Angeles Times

Minutes later, Trump weighed in with his customary bombast, pressing Republicans to "close it down" if Democrats would not vote for the voter ID measure.

From Salon