English Dictionary

Definition of “bombast

bombast (ˈbɒmbæstPronunciation for bombast

Definitions

noun

  1. pompous and grandiloquent language
  2. obsolete material used for padding

Alternative Forms

bomˈbastic adjective bomˈbastically adverb

Word Origin

C16: from Old French bombace , from Medieval Latin bombāx cotton; see bombacaceous

Usage examples

  • She ignored a glance from Grace, and pressed his hand, as if the romantic bombast was getting through to her.
    Sillitoe, Alan, The Open Door (1989)
  • He's a nasty little man who masks his feelings of inadequacy and inferiority with a kind of posturing, preening, strutting bombast.
    Edmonton Sun (2003)
  • The endless melismas on Everything Must Change - preceded by a homily on world affairs - were an exercise in pure bombast.
    Times, Sunday Times (2002)
  • Like many American visitors before him, Eisenhower liked Franco's quiet, modest air and lack of bombast.
    Preston, Paul, Franco (1993)

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