pomp

noun

ˈpämp 

1

: a show of magnificence : splendor

every day begins … in a pomp of flaming colours

—F. D. Ommanney

2

: a ceremonial or festival display (such as a train of followers or a pageant)

3

a

: ostentatious display : vainglory

b

: an ostentatious gesture or act

Examples of pomp in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Long before their estrangement, Diana taught William and Harry what that legacy looked like: a new kind of royal life rooted not in pomp but in compassion. —Simon Perry, People.com, 15 Aug. 2025

Ming was eulogized during the service and more pomp that comes with a traditional law enforcement funeral service was carried out including the folding and presenting of the flag that draped his casket, a 21-gun salute (seven riflemen firing three volleys), and the playing of taps. —Emily Curiel, Kansas City Star, 11 Aug. 2025

Ralphs’ songwriting and guitar work in that band helped move rock ‘n’ roll out of the psychedelic ‘60s and into the struts and arty pomp of ‘70s glam. —August Brown, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2025

The Marquette University community installed President Kimo Ah Yun on April 29 in an inauguration filled with pomp, prayer and a dash of protest. —Kelly Meyerhofer, jsonline.com, 30 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French pompe, from Latin pompa procession, pomp, from Greek pompē act of sending, escort, procession, pomp, from pempein to send

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing pomp

• pomp and circumstance

Rhymes for pomp

• comp
• pompe
• romp
• stomp
• swamp

Kids Definition

pomp

noun

ˈpämp 

1

: a show of magnificence : splendor

the pomp of a royal ceremony

2

: showy display