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

Her signature platinum curls, classic minimalist style and soft-spoken mystique have become synonymous with Old Hollywood glamour, while her personal life story continues to fascinate and inspire. —Andrea Wurzburger, People.com, 4 Aug. 2025

For certain travelers, though, especially those who gravitate toward conflict zones and geopolitical oddities, Turkmenistan’s impenetrability has given it an alluring mystique. —Joe Yogerst, CNN Money, 31 July 2025

The goal is to continue to build his aura and mystique outside of the weekly WWE television grind. —Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 July 2025

Stradivarius violins, renowned for their superior acoustics and visual beauty, have a certain mystique in the classical world. —Asia London Palomba, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 July 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