flamboyant

[flam-boi-uhnt]

adjective

1. strikingly bold or brilliant; showy.

   flamboyant colors.

2. conspicuously dashing and colorful.

   the flamboyant idol of international society.

3. florid; ornate; elaborately styled.

   flamboyant speeches.

4. Architecture.

   1. having the form of an ogee, as a bar of tracery.

   2. noting or pertaining to French Gothic architecture of the late 15th and early and middle 16th centuries, characterized by the use of flamboyant tracery, intricacy of detailing, virtuosity of workmanship, attenuation of parts, and frequent complication of interior space.

noun

1. royal poinciana.

flamboyant

/ flæmˈbɔɪənt /

adjective

1. elaborate or extravagant; florid; showy

2. rich or brilliant in colour; resplendent

3. exuberant or ostentatious

4. of, denoting, or relating to the French Gothic style of architecture characterized by flamelike tracery and elaborate carving

noun

1. another name for royal poinciana

Other Word Forms

• flamboyance noun
• flamboyantly adverb
• flamboyancy noun
• unflamboyant adjective
• unflamboyantly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of flamboyant¹

1825–35; < French, present participle of flamboyer to flame, flair, derivative of Old French flambe flame; -ant

Word History and Origins

Origin of flamboyant¹

C19: from French: flaming, from flamboyer to _flame

Example Sentences

Wearing his trademark brightly coloured Fedora, the flamboyant showman looks around the yard where more than half a dozen self-built homes sit.

From BBC

Given that tattoos are central to both Marigold's flamboyant character and Dolphin's chosen career, I ask Wilson if she would ever get inked herself?

From BBC

Campos, Mexico’s flamboyant, eccentric and colorfully dressed goalkeeper, is often left off the list of the most important MLS signings.

From Los Angeles Times

The drawing shows the flamboyant piano player with his leg on the keyboard and a stool overturned behind him.

From BBC

But a low profile is something completely alien to the flamboyant, wealthy and ambitious tycoon.

From BBC

Related Words

• bombastic 
• brilliant 
• colorful 
• dazzling 
• flashy 
• glamorous 
• ornate 
• splashy 
• swashbuckling