pomp

noun

ˈpämp 

1

: a show of magnificence : splendor

every day begins … in a pomp of flaming colours

—F. D. Ommanney

2

: a ceremonial or festival display (such as a train of followers or a pageant)

3

a

: ostentatious display : vainglory

b

: an ostentatious gesture or act

Examples of pomp in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center opens with some pomp, much circumstance LA JOLLA — Hello, Conrad! —George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 June 2025

Held between June 12 to 15, 2025, this under-the-radar island will once again play host to the Cyclades Cup, a superyacht regatta that trades pomp and fanfare for pure sailing pedigree. —Katia Damborsky, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025

Just weeks ago, Qatari officials welcomed President Donald Trump to Doha with pomp, circumstance, and a $400 million jet. —Jack Burnham, National Review, 7 June 2025

An American pope: WATCH: Video shows Robert Prevost introduced as Pope Leo XIV at Vatican balcony Francis eschewed a lot of the pomp and pretense of the papacy, living in a simple apartment, riding in a Fiat and adopting a more humble, accessible air than most of his predecessors. —Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 9 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French pompe, from Latin pompa procession, pomp, from Greek pompē act of sending, escort, procession, pomp, from pempein to send

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing pomp

• pomp and circumstance

Rhymes for pomp

• comp
• pompe
• romp
• stomp
• swamp

Kids Definition

pomp

noun

ˈpämp 

1

: a show of magnificence : splendor

the pomp of a royal ceremony

2

: showy display