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

That hasn’t killed the Cinderella mystique. —Greg Cote updated March 23, Miami Herald, 23 Mar. 2026

Dumas wrote his titular character as a man of mystique and a naturally charming presence capable of holding court with a wealth of tales from exotic locales. —Jon O'Brien, IndieWire, 19 Mar. 2026

The Arabic harmonies, sung pristinely, are a clever pairing for a genre already so steeped in bleary-eyed mystique. —Kiana Mickles, Pitchfork, 19 Mar. 2026

In addition, mentions by The LOX, Redman, A$AP Rocky, Dave East, and more, on wax and elsewhere, have only strengthened the mystique surrounding Skate Key. —Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 19 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