mystique

noun

mys·​tique mi-ˈstēk How to pronounce mystique (audio)
Synonyms of mystiquenext
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.
The Rocky Mountains take on a whole new mystique when seen from above. — Shauna Farnell, Denver Post, 25 May 2026 The mystique and the mystery created a kind of feedback loop. — Andy Battaglia, ARTnews.com, 8 June 2026 These retro-futuristic frames not only do a great job of blocking the sun, but their wraparound look also gives a stylish mystique that’s sporty and edgy at once. — Andrea Zendejas, Vogue, 24 June 2026 That reputation as a cup-football maestro, that glow of knockout know-how, is integral to Tuchel’s mystique as a coach. — Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 1 July 2026 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

Rhymes for mystique

See All Rhymes for mystique

Browse Nearby Words

mystifyingly
mystique
myth
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Mystique.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mystique. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

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

More from Merriam-Webster on mystique

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for mystique

Nglish: Translation of mystique for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Commonly Misspelled Words

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

One-Word Oxymorons: Bittersweet, Spendthrift, and More

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Popular

See More

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
hangman letters and game
Hangman Lightning Round Figure out which word fits in the blanks.
See All