pageant
/ˈpædʒənt/
NOUN
1. A competition to determine physical attractiveness
A public competition in which participants are judged on their physical appearance, talents, personality, or other qualities, often to select a winner.
1.1. Beauty competition
An organized contest in which participants compete for a title based on appearance, talent, confidence, and other judged qualities.
Synonyms
- beauty contest
- beauty competition
Examples
- The annual beauty pageant attracted contestants from across the country.
- She practiced her presentation for several weeks before entering the pageant.
Related Words
- contest
- competition
- talent show
- titleholder
- contestant
NOUN
2. An elaborate public display or procession
A public entertainment or presentation featuring costumes, performances, floats, or scenes, often depicting historical, cultural, or traditional events.
2.1. Historical or traditional procession
A public parade or theatrical display in which participants wear costumes and recreate scenes from history, folklore, or tradition.
Synonyms
- parade
- procession
- cavalcade
Examples
- The town organized a historical pageant featuring scenes from its founding.
- Colorfully dressed performers took part in the annual pageant.
Related Words
- pageantry
- reenactment
- costume parade
- float
- celebration
2.2. Theatrical or dramatic presentation
An elaborate performance or staged representation that uses costumes, scenery, and acting to present a story or event.
Synonyms
- dramatization
- spectacle
- production
- performance
Examples
- The school presented a Christmas pageant for parents and visitors.
- The historical pageant brought the events of the revolution to life.
Related Words
- tableau
- theatrical
- drama
- exhibition
- presentation
NOUN
3. A spectacular or ceremonial display
An impressive and often elaborate display or ceremony characterized by grandeur, color, formality, or visual magnificence.
3.1. Grand public spectacle
A visually impressive display designed to attract attention through elaborate arrangements, performances, or decorations.
Synonyms
- spectacle
- extravaganza
- display
- show
Antonyms
- hiding
Examples
- The opening ceremony was a spectacular pageant of music, lights, and color.
- The royal wedding became a pageant of elaborate costumes and decorations.
Related Words
3.2. Formal ceremonial display
A ceremony or public occasion marked by elaborate rituals, formal arrangements, and impressive visual presentation.
Synonyms
- ceremony
- celebration
- pomp
- ritual
Examples
- The coronation was a pageant of royal tradition and ceremony.
Related Words
- observance
- festivity
- solemnity
- tradition
- formality
NOUN
4. A movable platform used for theatrical performances
A wheeled platform or stage used historically to present plays or dramatic scenes, particularly during public festivals and religious celebrations.
4.1. Mobile theatrical stage
A movable platform on which performers presented short plays or dramatic scenes, often as part of a public procession or festival.
Synonyms
- pageant wagon
- mobile stage
Examples
- Actors performed a religious drama from a pageant wagon during the medieval festival.
Related Words
VERB
5. To display or represent theatrically
To exhibit, portray, or imitate something through a staged or theatrical presentation.
5.1. Staging a dramatic representation
To present or portray a subject through an elaborate theatrical display or performance.
Synonyms
- portray
- represent
- dramatize
- depict
Examples
- The performers pageanted scenes from the region's history during the festival.