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

Their blend of research and mysticism infuses the museum and the grounds that surround it with a certain spiritual mystique that may go unnoticed by visitors. —Luis Melecio-Zambrano, Mercury News, 5 Dec. 2025

Bitcoin’s gold-like mystique — always a big stretch — has faded. —Emily Nicolle, Fortune, 23 Nov. 2025

Pochettino’s men, meanwhile, found their groove after 10 minutes and were never intimidated by Uruguay’s mystique. —Felipe Cardenas, New York Times, 19 Nov. 2025

Snapped by Emilio Madrid, the black and white pics showcase Slater in character, his mime makeup and mannerisms perfectly capturing Marceau’s classic mystique. —Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 10 Nov. 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