mystique

noun

mys·​tique mi-ˈstēk How to pronounce mystique (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This is debated, but whatever the reality, there's a mystique around black cats that's undeniable. Terry Baddoo, USA TODAY, 25 Oct. 2024 There was a mystique to the gigging musician wandering the big city in search of work, because this work was creative, improvisational, at times transcendent. Hua Hsu, The New Yorker, 21 Oct. 2024 At a time when mystique can be in short supply in pop, leave it to Justin Vernon to revert to the age-old tradition of being a little more mysterious. David Browne, Rolling Stone, 18 Oct. 2024 There’s an undeniable, intoxicating mystique embedded into every inch of the five-story building, which once primarily served as a cafeteria and community hub frequented by some of the city’s greatest creatives, from sci-fi author Ray Bradbury to Walt Disney. Jess Joho, Los Angeles Times, 4 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for mystique 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of mystique was in 1891

Dictionary Entries Near mystique

Cite this Entry

“Mystique.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mystique. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

mystique

noun
mys·​tique mis-ˈtēk How to pronounce mystique (audio)
: an attitude of mystery and respect developing around something or someone
the mystique of mountain climbing
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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