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

Here’s coverage of today’s horse races, the historic event’s pageantry, fashion and hats, and views from the fans. —Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 18 May 2025

The pageantry and the tradition The main-stage campus commencement gatherings at Alumni Park, which began about 75 years ago, weren’t short on pageantry and old-world tradition going back decades. —Daniel Miller, Los Angeles Times, 16 May 2025

Nothing compares to the pageantry of a papal election, not the coronation of a British monarch, a presidential inauguration or a Russian World War II military victory parade. —Peter Lucas, Boston Herald, 15 May 2025

Viewers are drawn to the race’s pageantry, history – and money. —Javier Zarracina, USA Today, 3 May 2025

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