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 Words From

• pompless 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

Between the pomp surrounding donning one’s holy livery, pointed glares and swishing red silks and velvets, these cassocked clergymen make bored teenagers seem kind.

From Salon

“And to have those conversations, as difficult as they may be ... And that’s what it’s about. Always. Not about the pomp and circumstance and prestige, but it’s about the work.”

From Los Angeles Times

As president, he loved the pomp of a military parade, but hated facing the real people who serve — and are sometimes hurt or killed in real-world combat.

From Salon

The pomp and ceremony of royalty doesn’t always sit easily with Prince William, neither does some of the leadership he has seen globally.

From BBC

After a Wes Anderson-esque opening of orderly pomp in which our fictionalized septet of epically shallow nation leaders is introduced, the hard work of schmoozy collaboration and managing petty neuroses begins.

From Los Angeles Times

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.