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

Built to echo the Andean cross, the property is also deeply imbued in the culture and mystique of the area – to that end, Shamans are on call for private tours. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026

The question now is whether the New York audiences will prove harder to please — though even if NYFF reactions are more muted than those in Telluride, the film will likely retain some mystique headed into its mid-October theatrical debut. — Joe Reid, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2026

The Man Who Killed Don Quixote — films that traded for decades on the mystique of never quite existing. — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 8 Sep. 2026

The ease and speed of it all felt almost shocking, a clear disruption of Hohenbruck’s ownership journey—and potentially of its brand mystique. — Harvard Business Review, 3 Sep. 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