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.
Why bother funneling all of that through Hollywood’s pomp and corniness into a movie that’s only half good? Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 27 Oct. 2025 The pomp and pageantry of the country’s best HBCU basketball tournament was well-displayed, with celebrities like Magic Johnson and LL Cool J hosting parties in uptown Charlotte that drew thousands of attendees. Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 15 Oct. 2025 In his pomp, Worthington was recommending Karim Benzema before the world really knew about the Frenchman. Phil Hay, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2025 America’s most steadfast allies in this bit of the 21st century are the Gulf monarchies, true and unapologetic kingdoms big on pomp and light on participation. Ben Smith, semafor.com, 29 Sep. 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 29 Oct. 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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