mystique

noun

mys·tique | \ mi-ˈstēk

Definition of mystique

1 : an air or attitude of mystery (see mystery entry 1 sense 2) 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

There has always been a bit of mystique to Akok Akok. — Dom Amore, courant.com, "Akok Akok working quietly, diligently to improve his game for UConn men," 7 July 2019 That it is housed in a neo-gothic mansion, complete with a moat defending what used to be its underground vault, adds to the mystique. — The Economist, "Displays dedicated to explaining economics offer marginal returns," 28 June 2019 But with or without a draft, ROTC belongs on college campuses, lest our universities become removed from reality in a way that exacerbates the negatives of the ivory tower mystique. — Jeff Rice, Twin Cities, "Jeff Rice: I damaged the ROTC offices at Northwestern University. Here’s how — and why — I atone," 24 June 2019 Chock-full of the artist's signature mystique, the track is laden with guitar riffs as raspy and melodic as Rayman's vocals. — Hannah Malach, Billboard, "Allan Rayman Releases Fashion-Forward Video for New Single 'Stitch': Video Premiere," 21 June 2019 Clearly, the mystique of Stonehenge lives on today. — Rachel E. Greenspan, Time, "Here's Why Stonehenge Is Connected to the Summer Solstice," 20 June 2019 Gatherings d’Art will take a bit of the mystique out of creating artwork. — Ginger Brashinger, Daily Southtown, "Gatherings d'Art fundraiser at Beverly Arts Center lets art lovers watch local artists in action," 5 June 2019 In that context, without a cigarette, without her flapper do, without the brick wall or the glowing light or the cleavage or the priest, the jumpsuit lost its mystique. — Soraya Roberts, Longreads, "Fashions Fade, But Fleabag Is Forever," 8 June 2019 Perhaps because of James’s mystique, the Cavaliers were almost 3-1 favorites in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Boston Celtics despite not having home court advantage. — New York Times, "Cavaliers and LeBron James Hit a Roadblock: Marcus Morris," 14 May 2018

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