mime

1 of 3

noun

ˈmīm 

also ˈmēm

1

: an ancient dramatic entertainment representing scenes from life usually in a ridiculous manner

2

a

: an actor in a mime

b

: one that practices mime

3

: mimic sense 2

4

: pantomime sense 3

mime

2 of 3

verb

mimed; miming

intransitive verb

: to act a part with mimic gesture and action usually without words

transitive verb

1

: mimic

2

: to act out in the manner of a mime

mimer noun

MIME

3 of 3

abbreviation

multipurpose Internet mail extensions

Synonyms of mime

Noun

• performer
• pantomime
• clown

Verb

• imitate
• copy
• emulate
• mimic

Examples of mime in a Sentence

Noun

an actor with a gift for mime

a performance done in mime

an actor who is a talented mime

Verb

He mimed playing a guitar.

She mimed picking up the phone and dialing a number.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Demoustier holds her nose and mimes gagging. —Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 13 May 2026

In person, the audience sips cocktails and witnesses top-notch side acts that cleanse the palate between improv blocks, with a mix of nationally touring stand-up, mimes, musicians and more. —John Wenzel, Denver Post, 23 Apr. 2026

Verb

Both actors mimed inflating like balloons. —Michael Schulman, New Yorker, 18 May 2026

Hosseini mimed firing a shot at the flag of the UAE. —Jon Gambrell, Arkansas Online, 18 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Latin mimus, from Greek mimos

First Known Use

Noun

1616, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1728, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Rhymes for mime

• chime
• chyme
• climb
• clime
• crime
• dime
• grime
• lime
• lyme
• prime
• rhyme
• slime

Kids Definition

mime

1 of 2 noun

ˈmīm 

ˈmēm

1

a

: an actor in a mime

b

: a person who practices mime

2

: mimic sense 2

3

: an ancient play or skit representing scenes from life usually in a ridiculous manner

4

: the art of showing a character or telling a story by body movements

mime

2 of 2 verb

mimed; miming

1

: to act in a mime

2

: to imitate closely : mimic

3

: to act out in the manner of a mime