pageant

pag·eant

noun \ˈpa-jənt\

Definition of PAGEANT

1

a : a mere show : pretense b : an ostentatious display

2

: show, exhibition; especially : an elaborate colorful exhibition or spectacle often with music that consists of a series of tableaux, of a loosely unified drama, or of a procession usually with floats

3

: pageantry 1

Examples of PAGEANT

1. They disagreed with the pageant judges.
2. Their church puts on an annual Christmas pageant.

Origin of PAGEANT

Middle English pagyn, padgeant, literally, scene of a play, from Anglo-French pagine, pagent, from Medieval Latin pagina, perhaps from Latin, page

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to PAGEANT

Synonyms: cavalcade

Related Words: tableau; kaleidoscope, montage, panorama; drama, dramatization, play; demonstration, performance, presentation, production; exhibition, extravaganza, show, spectacle; parade, procession, progress

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Other Performing Arts Terms

diva, dramaturgy, loge, prestidigitation, proscenium, supernumerary, zany