mystic

1 of 2

adjective

mys·​tic ˈmi-stik 

1

: mystical sense 1a

2

: of or relating to mysteries or esoteric rites : occult

3

: of or relating to mysticism or mystics

4

a

: mysterious

b

: obscure, enigmatic

c

: inducing a feeling of awe or wonder

d

: having magical properties

mystic

2 of 2

noun

1

: a follower of a mystical way of life

2

: an advocate of a theory of mysticism

Synonyms

Adjective

• magic
• magical

Examples of mystic in a Sentence

Adjective

She had a mystic vision while praying.

the notion that a cat has nine lives is based upon the belief that nine is a mystic number

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The man from Osaka’s right arm is almost mystic, like one of California’s solemn redwoods. —Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 July 2025

Further projects include psychological thriller The Olive Press, set in the mystic world of the Druze community in Mount Lebanon, from writer and director Samah El Kadi, and co-written by Nadim Chammas. —Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 19 May 2025

Noun

Gamblers are mystics at heart, and lottery players see all sorts of patterns in the supposedly random sequences of winning numbers. —Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 19 June 2025

Two panoramic terraces look out onto Positano and the sea, framed by leafy plants, colorful throw pillows and flapping curtains that add a touch of mystic to the whole ambiance. —Livia Hengel, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English mystyke "open to symbolic or spiritual interpretation," borrowed from Latin mysticus "of secret rites, secret," borrowed from Greek mystikós, from mýstēs "person initiated (into a religious cult)" (probably from mys-, variant stem of mȳ́ein "to close, shut [the eyes]"—of uncertain origin— + -tēs, agent suffix) + ikos -ic entry 1

Noun

probably derivative of mystic entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1640, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing mystic

• mystic fire topaz
• mystic topaz

Rhymes for mystic

• cystic
• agonistic
• altruistic
• animistic
• aphoristic
• atheistic
• cabalistic
• calvinistic
• chauvinistic
• dualistic
• egoistic
• egotistic

Kids Definition

mystic

1 of 2 adjective

mys·​tic ˈmis-tik 

1

: mystical sense 1

2

: of or relating to magic : occult

3

: mysterious, awesome

mystic

2 of 2 noun

: a person who seeks direct knowledge of God through meditation and prayer

Geographical Definition

Mystic

geographical name

Mys·​tic ˈmi-stik 

river in eastern Massachusetts flowing southeast into Boston Harbor