Definition of mask
1a (1) : a cover or partial cover for the face used for disguise (2) : a person wearing a mask : maskerb (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 ritualsc : 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 Kenistonb : something that conceals from viewc : a translucent or opaque screen to cover part of the sensitive surface in taking or printing a photographd : 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 faceb : gas maskc : a device covering the mouth and nose to facilitate inhalationd : a comparable device to prevent exhalation of infective materiale : 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
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Examples of mask in a Sentence
Everyone wore costumes and masks to the dance.
Doctors wear surgical masks in the operating room.
Recent Examples of mask from the Web
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Gomez said his crews wear long sleeves, coveralls, gloves and masks while handling fentanyl.
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Gomez said his crews wear long sleeves, coveralls, gloves and masks while handling fentanyl.
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The Grand Old Trout is a beaut whose head is worn as a helmet/mask by the actor, and the body and tale are moved by rods behind the actor’s back.
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The takeaway lesson from the weakest installment in that hugely successful franchise: a little mask work goes a long way.
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The takeaway lesson from the weakest installment in that hugely successful franchise: a little mask work goes a long way.
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This summer the brand will introduce three more limited-edition masks, packaged with illustrations of Sonic alongside fellow characters Tails and Knuckles.
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In this culture, masks function not only as decoration but also as a form of historical and legal documentation.
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What’s more, the graph above masks that the total populations of these counties — and the total number of voters therein — varies widely.
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.
Origin and Etymology of mask
Middle French masque, from Old Italian maschera
mask
Definition of mask
intransitive verb
1 : to take part in a masquerade
2a : to assume a maskb : to disguise one's true character or intentions
transitive verb
1 : to provide or conceal with a mask: such asa : to conceal from view mask a gun batteryb : to make indistinct or imperceptible masks undesirable flavorsc : 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
Examples of mask in a Sentence
The house was masked by trees.
They tried to mask their real purpose.
She tried using perfume to mask the bad odor.
Recent Examples of mask from the Web
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Filip Reyntjens of the University of Antwerp argues that, by changing its definition of poverty, the government has masked a hefty increase in the share of Rwandans who are poor.
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To make these wider vectors easier to program, AVX512 also includes complex masking capabilities.
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For many of Trump’s properties, specifically golf courses and resorts, Trump lists revenue, rather than income, masking their profitability.
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A Private Detective magazine from January 1946 shows a young woman with her arms behind her back being held against her will by a man with a white kerchief masking his mouth and nose.
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And these fleeting expressions can be masked entirely by things happening elsewhere on the face.
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Along with fully functional go-carts, students create a variety of projects such as a recent replica of an Iron Man mask, Bear said.
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The uniformity of the ensemble movement masked, of course, a conformity to evil deeds in this ritualistic slaughter, especially a chilling segment which suggested a revivalist church service.
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In those cases, their names and identifying information is supposed to be redacted, or masked.
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.
First Known Use of mask
1579
Synonym Discussion of mask
MASK Defined for English Language Learners
mask
Definition of mask for English Language Learners
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: to hide (something) from sight
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: to keep (something) from being known or noticed
MASK Defined for Kids
Definition of mask for Students
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.
Medical Dictionary
Medical Definition of mask
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 infective material—see gas mask, oxygen mask
3: a cosmetic preparation for the skin of the face that produces a tightening effect as it dries
mask
Medical Definition of mask
1: to prevent (an atom or group of atoms) from showing its ordinary reactions to mask hydroxyl in a sugar by converting it into methoxyl
2: to modify or reduce the effect or activity of (as a process or a reaction)
3: to make indistinct or imperceptible flavorings used in pharmacy to mask the taste of medications
4: to raise the audibility threshold of (a sound) by the simultaneous presentation of another sound
Learn More about mask
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See words that rhyme with mask Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for mask Spanish Central: Translation of mask Nglish: Translation of mask for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of mask for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about mask
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