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

The Blackhawks ending was less dramatic, with more pomp and ceremony due to their 100th anniversary but the same caliber of losing. —Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 16 Apr. 2026

The exact origin of the festival is unclear, but according to historical records, Lohri was celebrated with much pomp in the Punjab region during the reign of the Sikh maharaja Ranjit Singh in the early 19th century. —Tamanna Nangia, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026

Leo's events in Monaco were marked by all the usual protocol and pomp of a papal tour abroad. —Reuters, NBC news, 28 Mar. 2026

The Return goes satisfyingly small, stripping away the pomp and the circumstance of the group’s fame to show the humans underneath, only asking the members to be themselves. —Kayti Burt, Time, 27 Mar. 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