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

There’s no question that the mystique of a superb pork tenderloin sandwich has brought many guests to Midwest Clean Fuel over the years. —Bradley Hohulin, IndyStar, 2 July 2025

The property's mystique is enhanced by its celebrity connections, major championships and PGA Tour events, and appearances in countless films and television shows. —Erik Matuszewski, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025

The Trumpian mystique echoes a dynamic that has occurred for centuries and across cultures. —Manvir Singh, New Yorker, 17 May 2025

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