pageantry

noun

pag·​eant·​ry ˈpa-jən-trē How to pronounce pageantry (audio)
1
: pageants and the presentation of pageants
2
: colorful, rich, or splendid display : spectacle
3
: mere show : empty display

Examples of pageantry in a Sentence

I like the tradition and pageantry that come with graduations.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The pomp and pageantry of the country’s best HBCU basketball tournament was well-displayed, with celebrities like Magic Johnson and LL Cool J hosting parties in uptown Charlotte that drew thousands of attendees. Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 15 Oct. 2025 Although the pageantry of the home opener at Honda Center might be dampened by rain, there will be an all-weather clash between amphibious birds when the Ducks welcome the Pittsburgh Penguins on Tuesday night. Andrew Knoll, Oc Register, 13 Oct. 2025 Not too long ago, foreign policy analysts might have shrugged off the pageantry of the China summit. Jeffrey Prescott, Foreign Affairs, 29 Sep. 2025 While the festivities provided plenty of pomp and pageantry, royal experts told Fox News Digital that no gathering could ever rival the late monarch’s unforgettable encounter with a controversial guest. Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 19 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pageantry

Word History

First Known Use

1609, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pageantry was in 1609

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pageantry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pageantry. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

pageantry

noun
pag·​eant·​ry ˈpaj-ən-trē How to pronounce pageantry (audio)
plural pageantries
1
: pageants and the presentation of pageants
2
: splendid display

More from Merriam-Webster on pageantry

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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