mystique

noun

mys·​tique mi-ˈstēk 

1

: an air or attitude of mystery (see mystery entry 1 sense 1) and reverence developing around something or someone

the legendary singer's mystique

the mystique of the liturgy

2

: the special esoteric skill essential in a calling or activity

the mystique of yoga

the mystique of hang gliding

Examples of mystique in a Sentence

There's a certain mystique to people who fight fires.

No one has been able to copy the legendary singer's mystique.

the mystique of mountain climbing

Recent Examples on the Web

Despite his dark sunglasses, worn due to legal blindness caused by Stevens-Johnson syndrome, suggesting a sense of mystique, one thing became clear: Ab-Soul is an open book for those willing not to judge its cover. —Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 6 June 2025

In the days since Pope Francis’s death on Easter Monday, amid the mourning, marveling at the ecclesiastical opulence, and the reveling in what felt like the Catholic Super Bowl, the divine mystique of the whole affair has drawn the world in. —Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 12 May 2025

As for the coffee, Yemeni beans enjoy a mystique among connoisseurs because of their rich history and flavors, Pooler said, and what he's tasted lives up to the hype. —Neda Ulaby, NPR, 26 Apr. 2025

Adding to the mystique is a painterly palette of primary colors. —Daron James, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French, derivative of mystique, adjective, "magical, mystical," going back to Middle French, "having a hidden meaning," borrowed from Latin mysticus "secret" — more at mystic entry 1

First Known Use

1891, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for mystique

• antique
• batik
• bespeak
• boutique
• cacique
• comique
• critique
• grosbeak
• midweek
• oblique
• physique
• pratique

Kids Definition

mystique

noun

mys·​tique mis-ˈtēk 

: an attitude of mystery and respect developing around something or someone

the mystique of mountain climbing