Word
fanfare
Phoneticsfan·fare, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈfænˌfɛɹ/
UK/fˈænfeə/
Countable & uncountable
Definition
n. a short, loud piece of music played on trumpets to announce someone important. It also means a lot of public attention or excitement around an event.
n. a short, loud musical flourish played on brass instruments, typically to mark an arrival or opening. In a figurative sense, it refers to an elaborate or ostentatious display of public interest.
Examples
“The king entered the hall to a loud trumpet fanfare.”
“The new smartphone was launched with great fanfare, including a live concert and a global press event.”
“While the policy was introduced with considerable political fanfare, its actual implementation was quiet and faced significant bureaucratic hurdles that tempered the initial public enthusiasm.”
Examples
simple
“The king entered the hall to a loud trumpet fanfare.”
contextual
“The new smartphone was launched with great fanfare, including a live concert and a global press event.”
complex
“While the policy was introduced with considerable political fanfare, its actual implementation was quiet and faced significant bureaucratic hurdles that tempered the initial public enthusiasm.”
Usage
Countable when referring to the musical piece; often uncountable when referring to general public excitement.
Real-World Examples
“The milestone was acknowledged "without fanfare" ahead of the anniversary of the officer's death.” “This week, immigration minister Anna Turley announced, with minor fanfare, the government will stop using a further 13 hotels to house asylum seekers across the country.” Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/fanfare