1
: a show of magnificence : splendor
every day begins … in a pomp of flaming coloursF. 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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Getty Images Unlike formal state visits, such as when French President Emmanuel Macron came to Washington last year, there will be no pomp and ceremony. CBS News, 3 Mar. 2023 The funeral won’t have quite the pomp of those given to earlier popes, a mark of Benedict’s status as pope emeritus. Stefano Pitrelli, Washington Post, 2 Jan. 2023 Later on Tuesday, after several visits around London, President Ramaphosa will be the guest of honor at a state banquet at Buckingham Palace, when jewelry, tiaras and the glittering pomp of the palace will be on show. Simon Perry, Peoplemag, 22 Nov. 2022 Left to their own devices, their preferred attire would mix the pomp of Liberace with the frouf of the Elizabethans. Hillary Kelly, Vulture, 4 Nov. 2021 Chiefs founder Lamar Hunt is credited with proposing Roman numerals to bring some additional pomp to the game. Matt Bonesteel, Anchorage Daily News, 12 Feb. 2023 While these events always try to drum up hype with a lot of enthusiastic pomp and club vibes, the star products of this show have lost their luster. WIRED, 4 Feb. 2023 The Super Bowl is unlike any game these players will ever be involved in, considering all the pomp and circumstance. Michael Arinze, Chicago Tribune, 3 Feb. 2023 The Cistercian Order, as part of its campaign against luxury and pomp, discouraged melodies that indulged in excessively long melismas or had a range wider than an octave. Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 30 Jan. 2023 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'pomp.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of pomp was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near pomp

Cite this Entry

“Pomp.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pomp. Accessed 27 Mar. 2023.

Kids Definition

pomp

noun
1
: a show of magnificence : splendor
the pomp of a royal ceremony
2
: showy display

More from Merriam-Webster on pomp

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