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

Examples of pomp in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Pomp and pageantry Britain is certainly pulling out the stops for Macron's state visit, which will have all the pomp and pageantry that the country excels at. Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 8 July 2025 As a showpiece occasion to send England off to the European Championship, there was no shortage of pomp and ceremony in their 7-0 win against Jamaica. Nancy Froston, New York Times, 30 June 2025 This exceptional career conversion rate is all the more impressive given that Messi wasn’t especially prolific from free kicks in his early years after breaking into the Barcelona first team in 2004-05, with Ronaldinho, then in his swaggering pomp, understandably the team’s primary taker. Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 20 June 2025 The service on June 16 came two days after the magnificent celebration of pomp and pageantry at Trooping the Colour, which saw the royal family unite in their military splendor and finery. Simon Perry, People.com, 16 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for pomp

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pomp.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pomp. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.

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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