pageant

noun

pag·​eant ˈpa-jənt 

1

a

: a mere show : pretense

b

: an ostentatious display

2

: show, exhibition

especially : an elaborate colorful exhibition or spectacle often with music that consists of a series of tableaux, of a loosely unified drama, or of a procession usually with floats

3

: pageantry sense 1

Synonyms of pageant

• parade
• presentation
• panorama

Examples of pageant in a Sentence

They disagreed with the pageant judges.

Their church puts on an annual Christmas pageant.

Recent Examples on the Web

In the days after the assassination, TPUSA’s board appointed Erika Kirk — the now-widow, previously known more for her pageant background than any political leadership role — to take over as CEO, a move described as consistent with her late husband’s wishes. —Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 5 Mar. 2026

The 75th Miss Universe pageant takes place in Puerto Rico in November. —Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 4 Mar. 2026

Around her, other contestants do the same, each walking in attire connected to their own hometowns and histories, transforming the Miss Mexico Detroit pageant into a space where culture, identity and belonging take center stage. —David Rodriguez Muñoz, Freep.com, 28 Feb. 2026

Sewing my costumes, making my evening gowns for pageants. —Michael Schneider, Variety, 26 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English pagyn, padgeant, literally, scene of a play, from Anglo-French pagine, pagent, from Medieval Latin pagina, perhaps from Latin, page

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

pageant

noun

pag·​eant ˈpaj-ənt 

1

: an impressive exhibition or spectacle

2

: an entertainment consisting of scenes based on history or legend