bombast

American  

[bom-bast] / ˈbɒm bæst /

noun

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

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

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adjective

1. Obsolete. bombastic.

bombast British  

/ ˈbɒmbæst /

noun

1. pompous and grandiloquent language

2. obsolete material used for padding

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Other Word Forms

• bombastic adjective
• bombastically adverb

Etymology

Origin of bombast

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

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.

From Los Angeles Times

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.

From BBC

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.

From Salon

This latest combination of vanity whining and braggadocio bombast was greeted from Congress, members of his staff, reporters and members of the general public with mostly wide, tired stares.

From Salon

“In a world of ego and bombast, he has always been modest and self-effacing.”

From Los Angeles Times