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

But Bosch’s ability to speak out exemplifies one way in which pageantry is, Friedman said, changing for the better. —Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 29 Nov. 2025

Thanksgiving football is a combination that goes together like turkey and gravy, especially when surrounded by the pageantry of marching bands, cheerleaders and lettermen jackets. —Justin Barrasso, Boston Herald, 29 Nov. 2025

The show-stopping mix of pageantry, music, and nostalgia makes the Macy’s Parade a perfect kickoff to Thanksgiving Day, whether you’re bundled up on the streets of Manhattan or cozied up on your couch. —Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Nov. 2025

This year's competition comes after the world of pageantry has been featured in the headlines. —Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 27 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