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

• 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

Writing in the Guardian, Lisa Wright awarded it four stars, praising its "poignant moments", while The Telegraph's Neil McCormick gave it five stars, calling it a "glorious return to his bombastic, melodious 1970s pomp".

From BBC

His finish was devastating too and, overall, it reminded me of me in my pomp with the way I used to drive up the pitch.

From BBC

You are at a ceremonial site, but here the ritual is distinctive and contemporary: The pomp and circumstance in biennial art exhibitions like Desert X beckon the faithful to assemble from far and wide.

From Los Angeles Times

But it shocked ministers, still in the pomp of their massive victory that year.

From BBC

They hadn't won in France in 12 attempts, going back to when Townsend was in his pomp as a player, but they did that night.

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.