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 major British social event kicked off Tuesday, June 16, 2026, and features five days of thoroughbred horse racing, tradition, pomp and, of course, fashion. —Joanna Moriello, New York Daily News, 16 June 2026

Naturally, the United States semi-quincentennial will be celebrated with real pomp here. —Danuta Hamlin, FOXNews.com, 16 June 2026

While the pomp and pageantry of the annual event pretty much remains the same year after year, meaningful appearances—and surprise cameos—by different members of the Firm have kept fans on their toes. —Christina Perrier, InStyle, 13 June 2026

Trooping the Color marks the official birthday of King Charles and includes an elaborate display of pomp and pageantry featuring almost 1,500 army personnel, 200 military horses and thousands of royal watchers flooding the streets. —Jennifer Hassan, USA Today, 13 June 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