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Definition of pageantry

pageantry

/ˈpædʒ.ən.tri/
pag · ean · try
Plural:pageantries
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pageantry Lexical Profile

pageantry Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Elaborate display or ceremony, especially involving grand processions, colorful costumes, and traditional rituals.

Example

"Tourists gathered outside the palace to witness the historic pageantry of the royal coronation."

2

Empty or superficial showiness designed to impress others.

Example

"Critics dismissed the summit as mere political pageantry that failed to produce any binding agreements."

3

The world, practice, or culture of competitive beauty pageants.

Example

"She began competing in local talent contests before entering national pageantry in her twenties."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Nearby Words

paganism
page
pageant
pageantry
pageboy
pageful
pager

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the 17th century from 'pageant' plus the suffix '-ry'. 'Pageant' comes from Middle English 'pagent' (a scene in a medieval mystery play or the movable stage used to perform it), likely derived from Anglo-Latin 'pagina', from Latin 'pagina' meaning 'page' or 'framework of planks'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Pageantry. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/pageantry
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