mystique

noun

mys·​tique mi-ˈstēk 

1

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

Cruz grooves onstage with the mystique of a natural rock star — this could well be her ultimate Hall of Fame moment. —Ernesto Lechner, Rolling Stone, 15 Apr. 2026

For years, Dean Potter stood atop the climbing world, attaining a mystique as a rebellious spirit who carved his own path up mountains and into the sky — through BASE jumping and wingsuit flying. —Stuart Miller, Los Angeles Times, 13 Apr. 2026

And cheap Guinness pours only lubricate the mystique. —Courtney Crowder, USA Today, 10 Apr. 2026

Fidel Castro, either wanting to protect his family’s privacy or maintain the mystique of a revolutionary who only had time for his country, never publicly disclosed the family. —Patrick Oppmann, CNN Money, 30 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French, derivative of mystique, adjective, "magical, mystical," going back to Middle French, "having a hidden meaning," borrowed from Latin mysticus "secret" — more at mystic entry 1

First Known Use

1891, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for mystique

• antique
• batik
• bespeak
• boutique
• cacique
• comique
• critique
• grosbeak
• midweek
• oblique
• physique
• pratique

Kids Definition

mystique

noun

mys·​tique mis-ˈtēk 

: an attitude of mystery and respect developing around something or someone

the mystique of mountain climbing