mystique
Americannoun
-
a framework of doctrines, ideas, beliefs, or the like, constructed around a person or object, endowing the person or object with enhanced value or profound meaning.
the mystique of Poe.
-
an aura of mystery or mystical power surrounding a particular occupation or pursuit.
the mystique of nuclear science.
noun
Etymology
Origin of mystique
1890–95; < French (adj.); see mystic
Explanation
An air of mystery around someone gives that person a certain mystique, like your glamorous next door neighbor who's rumored to work for the CIA. The noun mystique is good for describing someone you find fascinating, like your beautiful and mysterious French teacher with that special mystique. A place or an object can also be described this way; many travelers are attracted to India's mystique, for example. The root of mystique is thought to be the Greek word mystikos, "secret or mystic."
Vocabulary lists containing mystique
This Week in Words: Feb. 25 - Mar. 2, 2018
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
2015 Spelling Bee - Words from Round 2
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
English Words Derived from French, List 8
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Nightcrawler, played by Alan Cumming, and Mystique, portrayed by Rebecca Romijn, will also return, while Hugh Jackman proved Wolverine is still a cut above in his hit 2024 collab with Deadpool.
From BBC • Jan. 9, 2026
After a lifetime of reading around it, I actually tucked in to Betty Friedan's "The Feminine Mystique," and was shocked at how bracingly relevant this sacred text of second-wave feminism felt.
From Salon • Jan. 5, 2025
Mystique and Destiny, two villains turned frenemies of the mutant heroes, are celebrated in this anthology, which has five new stories culminating in their wedding.
From New York Times • Jun. 3, 2024
In the suburbs, Betty Friedan’s groundbreaking “ The Feminine Mystique ” helped give voice to a generation of lonely women.
From Seattle Times • May 15, 2023
What I should drive, he told me, is a Mercury Mystique because they drive like a much more expensive European sedan.
From "The Tipping Point" by Malcolm Gladwell
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
