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

Her obsession with self-relevance drowned Vogue in noise, stripping fashion of its mystique. —Lilian Raji, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025

Unbelievably, Princess Diana’s wedding dress has never been the subject of a documentary, film or TV show despite the bride’s fame, love of fashion and enduring mystique. —Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 24 June 2025

Decades later, the picture remains evocative, encapsulating the idealized mystique of everything a rock & roll session is supposed to look like. —Ernesto Lechner, Rolling Stone, 21 June 2025

Through its gameplay and narrative, Rise of the Deceiver aims to further expand the themes and dark mystique of the film. —Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 9 June 2025

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