fanfare

noun

fan·​fare ˈfan-ˌfer How to pronounce fanfare (audio)
Synonyms of fanfarenext
1
: a short and lively sounding of trumpets
2
: a showy outward display

Examples of fanfare in a Sentence

The new jet was introduced with great fanfare.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Lakota and Cheyenne artists also depicted the battle, though to less fanfare. — New York Times, 28 June 2026 Nothing will turn around a hungry crowd like a hearty chicken dinner, and summertime might just be when the crowd gets hungriest—between the pool days, bike rides, and general fanfare. — Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 27 June 2026 Swift and Kelce announced their engagement to much fanfare in August 2025 after two years of dating. — Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026 Such balancing acts play out regularly in Washington, in state capitals, and – with less fanfare, perhaps – at county and city levels, as well as within local school boards and civic organizations. — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for fanfare

Word History

Etymology

French

First Known Use

1605, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of fanfare was in 1605

Rhymes for fanfare

See All Rhymes for fanfare

Browse Nearby Words

fanfarade
fanfare
fanfaron
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fanfare.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fanfare. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

fanfare

noun
fan·​fare ˈfan-ˌfa(ə)r How to pronounce fanfare (audio)
-ˌfe(ə)r
: a short stirring tune played by trumpets

More from Merriam-Webster on fanfare

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for fanfare

Nglish: Translation of fanfare for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about fanfare

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