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

Pair it with a white blouse (preferably, with an overexaggerated collar), a longline coat, and leather boots to keep the literary mystique intact. —India Roby, InStyle, 16 Jan. 2026

McRib lovers are in it for the taste and — yes — the mystique. —The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 15 Jan. 2026

Meanwhile, Googoosh’s two decades off the stage had only amplified her mystique. —Richard Nedjat-Haiem, The Conversation, 15 Jan. 2026

Lewis and James served as the Hurricanes’ honorary captains against Ole Miss in the Fiesta Bowl, and nobody represents the Miami mystique like receiver Michael Irvin — a first-round pick in 1988 and Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee in 2007. —Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 14 Jan. 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