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

Since balloons were added to the pageantry in 1927, the parade has showcased some of the world’s most iconic and beloved characters, from Snoopy to SpongeBob SquarePants. —Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 24 Nov. 2025

In similar pageantry news, Brigitta Schaback has stepped down from the title of Miss Universe Estonia days after representing the country at Miss Universe 2025. —Zoey Lyttle, PEOPLE, 24 Nov. 2025

The 25-year-old became the center of controversy when a host executive publicly scolded her, leading to a contestant walkout and widespread debate on women's empowerment and treatment in global pageantry. —Megan Cartwright, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2025

The episode prompted a major backlash on social media with members of the pageantry world criticizing Itsaragrisil’s behavior. —Renan Botelho, Footwear News, 20 Nov. 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