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

Kiss were all about mystique — and nobody had more of it than Ace. —Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 17 Oct. 2025

Calls to reject the institutional mystique of the Supreme Court in particular have been growing louder across the political spectrum. —Ben Smith, semafor.com, 13 Oct. 2025

The pop-up pays tribute to the mystique of old Salem and the witches who inspire Cavelier's craft, according to a post on the bar's Instagram page. —Angelika Ytuarte, jsonline.com, 10 Oct. 2025

Ultimately, there was no mystique, no exceptionalism about these Yankees, who increasingly are just another one of 30. —Brendan Kuty, New York Times, 10 Oct. 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