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

Over the past six weeks, his humanity broke through the gates of his mystique. — Jerry Brewer, New York Times, 20 July 2026

Brown doesn’t share much about his personal life with his followers, but that only adds to his mystique. — Leslie Horn Peterson, Time, 14 July 2026

There’s none of the sultriness of contrast played up by Gérôme for mystique, and also no timeless air. — Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 13 July 2026

There are also those invested in the lore and mystique, especially of the fortresses and palaces said to have inspired books and movies. — Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 12 July 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