noun
panjandrum
Panjandrum (noun) means a person of great importance or power.
noun
1
A person of great importance or power.
"Silicon Valley panjandrums spent the 2010s lecturing American workers in dying industries that they needed to “learn to code.”"
— Clive Thompson, Coding After Coders: The End of Computer Programming as We Know It (2026)
"To show that the panjandrums are worthy of their glory, the annual report has to show how well the business has done, regardless of the actual results."
— Jo Owen, Management Stripped Bare (2012)
2
Someone who thinks far too highly of themselves.
3
A huge cart laden with explosives and driven by rockets, developed by Britain's armed forces in the Second World War.
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Etymology
Coined as a nonce word in the 18th century by British dramatist Samuel Foote.
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of panjandrum?
"panjandrum" (noun) means a person of great importance or power.
What is another word for panjandrum?
Other words for "panjandrum" include wheel, somebody, boss, heavyweight, baron, dignitary.
What are the different meanings of panjandrum?
"panjandrum" has 3 main meanings: 1. A person of great importance or power; 2. Someone who thinks far too highly of themselves; 3. A huge cart laden with explosives and driven by rockets, developed by Britain's armed forces in the Second World War.
