mask

noun

\ ˈmask

Definition of mask

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a(1) : a cover or partial cover for the face used for disguise

(2) : a person wearing a mask : masker

b(1) : a figure of a head worn on the stage in antiquity to identify the character and project the voice

(2) : a grotesque false face worn at carnivals or in rituals

c : an often grotesque carved head or face used as an ornament (as on a keystone)

d : a sculptured face or a copy of a face made by means of a mold

2a : something that serves to conceal or disguise : pretense, cloak aware of the masks, facades and defenses people erect to protect themselves— Kenneth Keniston

b : something that conceals from view

c : a translucent or opaque screen to cover part of the sensitive surface in taking or printing a photograph

d : a pattern of opaque material used to shield selected areas of a surface (as of a semiconductor) in deposition or etching (as in producing an integrated circuit)

3a : a protective covering for the face

b : gas mask

c : a device covering the mouth and nose to facilitate inhalation

d : a comparable device to prevent exhalation of infectious material

e or less commonly masque : a cosmetic preparation for the skin of the face that produces a tightening effect as it dries

4a : the head or face of an animal (such as a fox or dog)

b : an area (such as the one around the eyes) of an animal's face that is distinguished by usually darker coloring

mask

verb

masked; masking; masks

Definition of mask (Entry 2 of 2)

intransitive verb

1 : to take part in a masquerade

2a : to assume a mask

b : to disguise one's true character or intentions

transitive verb

1 : to provide or conceal with a mask: such as

a : to conceal from view mask a gun battery

b : to make indistinct or imperceptible masks undesirable flavors

c : to cover up masked his real purpose

2 : to cover for protection

3 : to modify the size or shape of (something, such as a photograph) by means of an opaque border

Other Words from mask Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about mask

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Synonyms & Antonyms for mask

Synonyms: Noun

vizard

Synonyms: Verb

camouflage, cloak, disguise, dress up

Antonyms: Verb

unmask

Choose the Right Synonym for mask

Verb

disguise, cloak, mask mean to alter the dress or appearance of so as to conceal the identity or true nature. disguise implies a change in appearance or behavior that misleads by presenting a different apparent identity. disguised herself as a peasant cloak suggests a means of hiding a movement or an intention. cloaked their maneuvers in secrecy mask suggests some often obvious means of hiding or disguising something. smiling to mask his discontent

Examples of mask in a Sentence

Noun

Everyone wore costumes and masks to the dance. Doctors wear surgical masks in the operating room.

Verb

The house was masked by trees. They tried to mask their real purpose. She tried using perfume to mask the bad odor.

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

The request covers products including a possible perfume, bath and shower gels, beauty masks, lip gloss, nail polish, and deodorant, WWD reports. — Lauren Rearick, Teen Vogue, "Kendall Jenner Is Reportedly Working on a Line of Beauty Products," 9 May 2019 Soap, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, masks, Epsom salts. — Laura Daily, The Seattle Times, "How charcoal escaped the grill and ended up in your bathroom," 12 Apr. 2019 The afterparty began in earnest after the first dance, aided by espresso martinis and Venetian masks, which were distributed among the guests. — Tamara Abraham, Harper's BAZAAR, "This Epic Lake Como Wedding Had It All: An Alta Moda Photoshoot, Fireworks, and a Surprise Opera," 11 Apr. 2019 Hence the magnificent gables, the plaster scrolls, escutcheons, vases, masks, garlands, festoons, cartouches, balustrades, and whatnot. — Steve King, Condé Nast Traveler, "Why We Keep Going Back to Amsterdam," 24 Dec. 2018 Not only are there creams, masks, and serums taking over store shelves, but supplements also consistently claim to reverse the visible signs of aging. — Amy Capetta, Woman's Day, "5 Anti-Aging Supplements That May Actually Work," 16 Oct. 2018 With the help of donations from local businesses and organizations, the Detroit Public Safety Foundation was able to give 278 pet oxygen mask kits, which include more than 800 masks, to the department, Fox 2 Detroit reported Thursday. — Elizabeth Zwirz, Fox News, "Michigan fire department receives hundreds of donated pet oxygen masks," 2 Oct. 2018 For starters, your character can equip explosive, special powers by putting on masks (more like Mega Man's robot masters than Mario's power-ups) while also getting default wall-jump and grappling-hook maneuvers (a la indie delight Flinthook). — Sam Machkovech, Ars Technica, "Diablo 3, Untitled Goose Game lead PAX West’s Nintendo Switch lineup," 4 Sep. 2018 Luckily for me, the mask didn’t cause any inflammation and appeared to be beneficial for my skin. — The Editors, Marie Claire, "10 Health Issues CBD Could Solve," 17 Apr. 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

There's a lot of guitar work on this record that's masked. — Gary Graff, Billboard, "Chicago Trio Hidden Hospitals Premiere 'Liars' Album," 16 May 2018 The anti-government protests started after masked thugs beat up an opposition politician last November. — Dusan Stojanovic, The Seattle Times, "Thousands rally in Serbia against populist leader Vucic," 14 Apr. 2019 Read on for a few of my favorite eye masks to wear for the most pleasant sleep ever. — Tiffany Dodson, SELF, "Here Are the 5 Eye Masks I Use to Help Me Sleep Like a Baby," 7 Apr. 2019 There was a chance cloud cover or a bright full moon could mask the lights. — Andrew Moseman, Popular Mechanics, "Keep on Chasing the Northern Lights," 25 Mar. 2019 Martins, alongside Rui Patricio, Bas Dost, William Carvalho, Bruno Fernandes and Daniel Podence have all moved to have their contracts terminated with the Lisbon club after 50 masked fans attacked the Sporting squad in training. — SI.com, "Liverpool & Arsenal Handed Major Boost In Pursuit of Gelson Martins By Portugal Star's Agent," 2 July 2018 Within the Bose Sleep app, there's an entire library of different sounds—some for noise-masking and others for relaxation. — Maya Mcdowell, House Beautiful, "Sleepbuds Are Noise-Masking Wireless Earphones That Are Comfortable Enough For Side Sleepers," 19 Feb. 2019 There is justified concern in Philadelphia that the recent streak is masking team deficiencies and hurting its draft chances for what remains a longshot playoff bid. — Geoff Baker, The Seattle Times, "Former Everett Silvertips goalie Carter Hart putting on one-man show to keep Philadelphia Flyers in playoff hunt," 11 Feb. 2019 Or when a bunch crazy animal masks and a Queen Elizabeth mask made the rounds. — Vogue, "Wes Gordon and Lauren Santo Domingo Bring the Cheer Ahead of the Fashion Awards," 10 Dec. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'mask.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Learn More about mask

Dictionary Entries near mask

Statistics for mask

Last Updated

12 May 2019

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for mask

The first known use of mask was circa 1533

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More Definitions for mask

mask

noun

English Language Learners Definition of mask

(Entry 1 of 2)

: a covering used to hide or disguise your face

: a covering used to protect your face or cover your mouth

: a way of appearing or behaving that is not true or real

mask

verb

English Language Learners Definition of mask (Entry 2 of 2)

: to hide (something) from sight

: to keep (something) from being known or noticed

See the full definition for mask in the English Language Learners Dictionary

mask

noun

\ ˈmask

Kids Definition of mask

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : a cover for the face or part of the face used for disguise or protection a Halloween mask a catcher's mask

2 : something that disguises or conceals She visited under a mask of friendship.

mask

verb

masked; masking

Kids Definition of mask (Entry 2 of 2)

: conceal, disguise She found it difficult to mask her anger.

mask

noun

\ ˈmask

Medical Definition of mask

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : a protective covering for the face

2a : any of various devices that cover the mouth and nose and are used to prevent inhalation of dangerous substances, to facilitate delivery of a gas (as oxygen or a general anesthetic), or to prevent the dispersal of exhaled infectious material — see gas mask, oxygen mask

3 : a cosmetic preparation for the skin of the face that produces a tightening effect as it dries