fanfare

fan-fare · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A short ceremonial tune or flourish played on brass instruments, especially trumpets, typically to introduce something or someone important.

  2. 2.

    A showy outward display or celebration; publicity or acclaim.

Forms

plural: fanfares

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    with great fanfare — With much publicity and celebration
  • •
    without fanfare — Quietly, without drawing attention

Related words

Antonyms: quiet, silence
See also: celebration, ceremony, trumpet
Synonyms: ceremony, flourish, pomp, trumpet call

Etymology

From French fanfare ("flourish of trumpets"), possibly of imitative origin or from Spanish fanfarria ("bragging"). The word entered English in the mid-18th century.