panoply

[pan-uh-plee]

noun

plural

panoplies 

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.

panoply

/ ˈpænəplɪ /

noun

1. a complete or magnificent array

2. the entire equipment of a warrior

Other Word Forms

• panoplied adjective
• unpanoplied adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of panoply¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of panoply¹

C17: via French from Greek panoplia complete armour, from _pan- + hopla armour, pl of hoplon tool

Example Sentences

There are a huge number of professionals from different disciplines: nutritionists, social workers, mental health specialists, along with the full panoply of medical staff.

Read more on BBC

Throughout Updike’s life he had a panoply of discouraging but not-terribly-threatening illnesses: asthma, dental failures and, above all, psoriasis.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“Hearts of Iron IV” is a fan favorite in the panoply of online strategy games.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Is it a “fruiting body,” better known as the toadstool, that emerges from the ground in a panoply of shapes and textures?

Read more on Los Angeles Times

On May 8, the alliance filed a motion declaring that “having exhausted the full panoply of remedial measures within the Court’s authority, no further options remain but receivership.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• array