pageant

noun

pag·​eant ˈpa-jənt 

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 sense 1

Synonyms

• cavalcade

Examples of pageant in a Sentence

They disagreed with the pageant judges.

Their church puts on an annual Christmas pageant.

Recent Examples on the Web

The former beauty pageant queen and Auburn University cheerleader from Thomasville, Georgia, and her alleged boyfriend were accused of plotting to kill him with the help of a hitman. —Esther Kang, Peoplemag, 29 May 2024

Both pageants, which fall under the Miss Universe organization, took place in September 2023. —Kimi Robinson, USA TODAY, 19 May 2024

Gradually, Juneteenth transformed into a grand holiday when high-stepping parades, beauty pageants, and cakewalks were as likely to be included in the ceremonies as preaching and remembering the trials of enslavement. —Jessica B. Harris, Southern Living, 13 May 2024

Her announcement was confirmed by the pageant, which thanked Voight for her service and wished her the best. —Aliza Chasan, CBS News, 6 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

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, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

pageant

noun

pag·​eant ˈpaj-ənt 

1

: an impressive exhibition or spectacle

2

: an entertainment consisting of scenes based on history or legend