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

Anthropic’s disclosure of Mythos certainly benefits its own publicity efforts ahead of an initial public offering, adding to the mystique around the potency of its technology. —Parmy Olson, Twin Cities, 18 Apr. 2026

Off-screen, her whirlwind romance with Tommy Lee and personal life only added to her larger-than-life mystique. —John Russell, PEOPLE, 17 Apr. 2026

Cruz grooves onstage with the mystique of a natural rock star — this could well be her ultimate Hall of Fame moment. —Ernesto Lechner, Rolling Stone, 15 Apr. 2026

For years, Dean Potter stood atop the climbing world, attaining a mystique as a rebellious spirit who carved his own path up mountains and into the sky — through BASE jumping and wingsuit flying. —Stuart Miller, Los Angeles Times, 13 Apr. 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