bombast

[bom-bast]

noun

1. speech too pompous for an occasion; pretentious words.

2. Obsolete.,  cotton or other material used to stuff garments; padding.

adjective

1. Obsolete.,  bombastic.

bombast

/ ˈbɒmbæst /

noun

1. pompous and grandiloquent language

2. obsolete,  material used for padding

Other Word Forms

• bombastic adjective
• bombastically adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of bombast¹

1560–70; earlier bombace padding < Middle French < Medieval Latin bombācem, accusative of bombāx; bombax family

Word History and Origins

Origin of bombast¹

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

Example Sentences

Schwartz has composed an American time capsule of Broadway pop, with as much variety as “Wicked” though with less bombast and no real standout blockbuster numbers.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

“The Supreme Court has made it crystal clear that only true threats are exempt from the freedom of speech — not hyperbole and political bombast.”

Read more on Salon

Her words also offered a contrast to the bombast and confrontation that has typified most of modern American politics.

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And confetti cannons rained glitter over him as the brass bombast of Land of Hope and Glory rang out and a giant union jack appeared on the screen behind him.

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And throughout all of the bulging bombast, Qualley maintains determined eye contact with the camera, reminding the audience that both the character and the actor playing her remain in complete control.

Read more on Salon