pageantry

noun

pag·​eant·​ry ˈpa-jən-trē 

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

The film was shot on location in Italy, dousing the viewer in a delicious moving pageantry of pasta and focaccia sandwiches. —Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 9 Apr. 2026

While there’s no doubt the New England Patriots have long since passed the Red Sox in terms of popularity, Week 1 at Gillette Stadium has nowhere near the charm and pageantry of Opening Day at Fenway. —Steve Buckley, New York Times, 2 Apr. 2026

The pageantry of the event, seeing the royal family gathered together, Kate Middleton’s fashion, and, yes, Prince Louis’s antics, be they in the carriage procession or on the Buckingham Palace balcony. —Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 1 Apr. 2026

But the pageantry of Opening Day is special for everyone, and the Cubs will be soaking it all in on Thursday afternoon. —Adam Harrington, CBS News, 26 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1609, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

pageantry

noun

pag·​eant·​ry ˈpaj-ən-trē 

plural pageantries

1

: pageants and the presentation of pageants

2

: splendid display