panoply

American  

[pan-uh-plee] / ˈpæn ə pli /

noun

• panoplies
  plural

1. a wide-ranging and impressive array or display.

   the dazzling panoply of the maharaja's procession; the panoply of European history.

2. a complete suit of armor.

3. a protective covering.

4. full ceremonial attire or paraphernalia; special dress and equipment.

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panoply British  

/ ˈpænəplɪ /

noun

1. a complete or magnificent array

2. the entire equipment of a warrior

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• panoplied
  adjective
• unpanoplied
  adjective

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• panoplies
  plural

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Etymology

Origin of panoply

1570–80; < Greek panoplía full complement of arms and armor, equivalent to pan- pan- + ( h ) ópl ( a ) arms, armor ( cf. hoplite) + -ia -ia

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Explanation

A panoply is a collection or an assortment of things. You might be eager to show off your panoply of bobble-head dolls when friends come to your house. An array or display of things is a panoply, so you can show off your panoply of spooky clown paintings, but you can also display a panoply of dance moves or talk about the panoply of flags at the parade — as long as it's a complete or impressive display, it's a true panoply. In ancient Greece, the word was used exclusively to talk about military costumes which were always suits of armor.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

panoply panoplies

The conflict in Ukraine is just one of the panoply of wars in recent years that have revealed once again the disastrous impact of conflict on cultural heritage.

From BBC ● Sep. 19, 2026

The same goes for the vast panoply of striking images and lighting.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 11, 2026

That meeting — set for Oct. 28-29 — comes at a time when the Federal Reserve has to decide on monetary policy without the full panoply of government data it would ordinarily rely on.

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 27, 2025

“European companies are adopting a full panoply of measures,” Oneglia says.

From Barron's ● Oct. 25, 2025

Theresa came home to find Helen lost in a panoply of analytical tools, all laid out on the kitchen table.

From "Typical American" by Gish Jen

For better or for worse, Turkey became a republic, a midget of a state compared to its former self; all the old panoplies of government were thrown overboard.

From Time Magazine Archive

The panoplies of helmets of the Moyen Age seemed to mope, and mow, and wink their eyeless sockets.

From The Maid of Honour, Volume 2 (of 3) A Tale of the Dark Days of France by Lewis Wingfield

There are many who have a certain curiosity about the courts, and at the same time a real respect for justice, mingled with amusement at the panoplies and antiquated forms of legal procedure.

From The Man in Court by Frederic DeWitt Wells

Long rows of windows ranged away, separated by panoplies, in relievo, and by busts on small pedestals.

From The Man Who Laughs by Victor Hugo

He ascended the inner staircase which led to the first floor, with its votive shields, panoplies, carved shrines, and figures on the wall at every step.

From The Magic Skin by Ellen Marriage

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Related Words

• array

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