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

Aside from the pomp and politics, though, these massive events can also bring an economic boom to host cities. —Dan Snyder, CBS News, 30 Apr. 2026

Trump likes Charles and royal pomp, but there are potential flashpoints, not least the administration’s recent comments about UK sovereignty over the Falkland Islands. —Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 27 Apr. 2026

There had been one ceremony after another for the Kings’ all-time leading scorer, but Anže Kopitar’s farewell game was largely bereft of pomp, circumstance and, for his squad, offense. —Andrew Knoll, Daily News, 26 Apr. 2026

Need a villa worthy of Onassis in his pomp? —The Editors, Robb Report, 20 Apr. 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