highfalutin

adjective

high·​fa·​lu·​tin ˌhī-fə-ˈlü-tᵊn How to pronounce highfalutin (audio)
variants or less commonly
1
: pretentious, fancy
highfalutin people
2
: expressed in or marked by the use of language that is elaborated or heightened by artificial or empty means : pompous
giving a highfalutin speech

Examples of highfalutin in a Sentence

a highfalutin way of talking his highfalutin paean to the working class failed to win over a crowd that wanted to hear down-to-earth proposals for economic relief
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.
The Corbet profile recently published in the New Yorker mentioned his highfalutin reading list, which includes László Krasznahorkai (the source of Béla Tarr’s Werckmeister Harmonies) and Oswald Spengler — taste that runs toward the dystopian and melancholic. Armond White, National Review, 31 Jan. 2025 In the highfalutin world of fine art, labels matter. Chadd Scott, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025 Both film and suite balance highfalutin glory and deep, deep rot. Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 9 Nov. 2024 Fantasia 2000 is not as highfalutin as the groundbreaking original. Donald Liebenson, Vulture, 6 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for highfalutin 

Word History

Etymology

perhaps from high entry 2 + alteration of fluting, present participle of flute

First Known Use

1839, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of highfalutin was in 1839

Dictionary Entries Near highfalutin

Cite this Entry

“Highfalutin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/highfalutin. Accessed 8 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

highfalutin

adjective
high·​fa·​lu·​tin ˌhī-fə-ˈlüt-ᵊn How to pronounce highfalutin (audio)
: pretentious, pompous
highfalutin talk
highfalutin people
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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