mystique

noun

mys·​tique mi-ˈstēk How to pronounce mystique (audio)
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 Naomi Watts Coordinates Meeting Between Demi Moore’s Tiny Chihuahua Pilaf and the Great Dane from The Friend In the last slide, Moore shares a screenshot of a meme about herself and Pilaf and how the dog adds to Moore's mystique. Bailey Richards, People.com, 1 Oct. 2024 There’s a certain mystique to mannequins and a universal fascination. David Moin, WWD, 25 Sep. 2024 The surprise, unbidden possibility of victory endowed Harris with a mystique. Matthew Continetti, National Review, 7 Sep. 2024 Though long overshadowed now by the fame of his successor Ronald Reagan, in the fall of 1976 Carter possessed something of a political mystique that perhaps could only be properly documented by the likes of New Journalist Noman Mailer or pop artist Andy Warhol. Amber Roessner / Made By History, TIME, 1 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for mystique 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'mystique.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of mystique was in 1891

Dictionary Entries Near mystique

Cite this Entry

“Mystique.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mystique. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

mystique

noun
mys·​tique mis-ˈtēk How to pronounce mystique (audio)
: an attitude of mystery and respect developing around something or someone
the mystique of mountain climbing
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!