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

Before Sex and the City, Lewis belonged to the last great era of male supermodels, when fashion still manufactured masculine mystique at industrial scale. —Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 28 May 2026

The Rocky Mountains take on a whole new mystique when seen from above. —Shauna Farnell, Denver Post, 25 May 2026

Comedian Jamie Kennedy loves Los Angeles, but thinks Hollywood has traded in originality and movie-star mystique for ideology and influencers. —Max Bacall , Nikos Degruccio, FOXNews.com, 23 May 2026

Where their carnival shined was in its mystique and the quality of the attractions within. —Literary Hub, 20 May 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