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)

a dignitary treated with pomp and circumstance [=impressive formal activities or ceremonies]

3

a

: ostentatious display : vainglory

b

: an ostentatious gesture or act

Examples of pomp in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For all the pomp, the meeting is largely a set piece. —ABC News, 2 Mar. 2026

Extra pomp doesn’t have to skew antiquated, either, as several modern variations from upscale brands like Sferra and Annie Selke illustrate. —Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 28 Feb. 2026

There was a whirlwind of pomp and ceremony. —Natalia Sánchez Loayza, Scientific American, 26 Feb. 2026

Ludwig is a cinematic journey into the king’s fantastical world, rich with pomp and gold. —Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 24 Feb. 2026

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

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