pageant

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "pageant" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to refer to a beauty contest or other performance involving a group of people. Example sentence: The annual town pageant showcased talented singers and dancers.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

A few weeks after appearing as Rubens' Blue Boy in a fancy dress pageant in the Eumundi school of arts, the boy was dumped in a bleak Catholic boarding school on the outskirts of Brisbane.

The Guardian

She couldn't be bothered" – actor Julie Walters at a diamond jubilee party in Plaistow village, west Sussex I am so glad I am not doing the TV commentary on this river pageant.

The Guardian

As a cheerleader with beauty pageant ambitions, Thomas was embarrassed by this kooky-seeming activism – until she was stricken with polymyositis, a debilitating loss of muscle mass.

The Guardian - Film

Vega, a 22-year-old model and student of business administration who was named Miss Universe on 25 January at a pageant in Florida, said in a post-crowning interview she would be "willing to go to Havana so that a peace deal can be signed".

The Guardian

Such news was unexpected, given Shannon's recent split from common law husband Mike Sugar Bear Thompsonon, father of the series' star, Alanna "Honey Boo Boo" Thompson, a former child beauty pageant contestant from Georgia who first found fame on the previous TLC reality show Toddlers & Tiaras.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Favourite childhood TV show "Take Hart and Hartbeat – I loved Morph!" TV crush "Joey [Katie Holmes] from Dawson's Creek – specifically the episode where she performs 'On My Own' from Les Misérables at a beauty pageant".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

They present the tension between the traditional and the modern in affecting vignettes: street parades passing beneath towerblocks; young girls in a village beauty pageant; a man sitting on a stool amid the rubble of a demolished house.

The Guardian - Arts

One of the Sábado Gigante's best-known segments, for instance, is Miss Colita (roughly translated, it means Miss Ass); a pageant in which women parade around the stage in thongs while Don Francisco comments and audience members vote for their favorite buttocks.

The Guardian - Opinion

Philip, who is 91 on Sunday, had joined his family on the royal barge during the Thames diamond jubilee river pageant.

The Guardian - Music

Or else Britain could leave Europe entirely, in which case the tariff barriers would go up and many retired Britons might have to swap the Costa Brava for Margate.The EU will never win a political beauty pageant in Britain.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"The Republican Party picked someone who is attractive, she is articulate," enthused Newt Gingrich, a former House Speaker, on CNN.Amid the beauty-pageant style condescension, many seemed to miss an important line being drawn between the parties, ahead of November's mid-term elections.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an event as a "pageant", emphasize its visual elements and ceremonial aspects to capture its essence.

Common error

Avoid using "pageant" to describe simple events or gatherings. Reserve it for events with a structured format, historical or ceremonial significance, or visual spectacle.

Linguistic Context

The word "pageant" functions primarily as a noun, referring to a public spectacle or elaborate display, often with historical or ceremonial elements. Ludwig AI confirms the validity and usability of the word in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Formal & Business

33%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pageant" is a grammatically sound noun frequently used to describe elaborate public displays, ceremonies, or beauty contests. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the word is appropriate in a wide range of contexts. Its usage is most common in news and media, conveying a sense of visual spectacle and often historical or cultural significance. When using "pageant", ensure the event aligns with its structured and visually impressive nature. Consider alternatives such as "elaborate display" or "public spectacle" depending on the specific nuances you wish to emphasize.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

beauty contest

Specifically refers to a competition focused on physical appearance and talent.

public spectacle

Emphasizes the public and widely viewed nature of the event.

spectacular showcase

Highlights the impressive and visually appealing nature of the display.

elaborate display

Focuses on the visual spectacle and grandeur of the event.

ceremonial parade

Combines the aspects of ceremony and procession.

grand procession

Emphasizes the processional aspect, suitable for events involving movement or parade.

festival celebration

Highlights the festive and celebratory nature of the event.

historical reenactment

Highlights the re-creation of past events, a particular type of pageant.

river festival

Specifically refers to the celebrations around water.

theatrical performance

Emphasizes the dramatic and staged aspects of the event.

FAQs

What is the definition of "pageant"?

A "pageant" is an elaborate public display, typically involving a parade in historical or traditional costume, a spectacular ceremony, or a beauty contest.

What can I say instead of "beauty pageant"?

You can use alternatives like "beauty contest", "scholarship competition", or "talent showcase" depending on the context and focus of the event.

How to use "pageant" in a sentence?

Example: The annual historical "pageant" drew thousands of spectators to witness scenes from the city's past.

Is "pageant" only used for beauty contests?

No, "pageant" can refer to various types of public displays and ceremonies. It is not limited to beauty contests.