pageantry

noun

pag·​eant·​ry ˈpa-jən-trē How to pronounce pageantry (audio)
Synonyms of pageantrynext
1
: pageants and the presentation of pageants
2
: colorful, rich, or splendid display : spectacle
3
: mere show : empty display

Examples of pageantry in a Sentence

I like the tradition and pageantry that come with graduations.
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.
Blending sacred rituals and cultural heritage with theatrical pageantry, Indian weddings can serve as a vibrant showcase of the country’s soft power. Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 21 May 2026 More The Wednesday unveiling coincided with the complex’s 50th anniversary, and the pageantry acted as a remembrance for two Atlanta titans who helped etch the building into city legend — Tom Cousins and Ted Turner, both of whom died within the past year. Zachary Hansen, AJC.com, 20 May 2026 But by the end of the season, his character seemed to have bought into the pageantry of romance in a way Iain never would. Anna Peele, Vulture, 20 May 2026 While the pageantry of Le Mans is something to compare to, Buxton sees it as different, given its endurance racing over 24 hours and the massive circuit spreads the crowd out. Maury Brown, Forbes.com, 16 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for pageantry

Word History

First Known Use

1609, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pageantry was in 1609

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pageantry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pageantry. Accessed 24 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

pageantry

noun
pag·​eant·​ry ˈpaj-ən-trē How to pronounce pageantry (audio)
plural pageantries
1
: pageants and the presentation of pageants
2
: splendid display

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