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

Incoming White House communications director Steven Cheung is well known for his “pugilistic” bombast – particularly on social media – and like many of Trump’s inner circle – he has a background in entertainment.

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

At the Daily News, where he sometimes walked around the newsroom banging a cowbell, his outsized personality — sometimes bordering on bombast — fit the bill.

From Los Angeles Times

But the 2016 speech at least made sense and was delivered with an undeniable level of bombast that turned the audience into a rabid, foot-stomping horror show.

From Salon