pantomime

American  

[pan-tuh-mahym] / ˈpæn təˌmaɪm /

noun

1. the art or technique of conveying emotions, actions, feelings, etc., by gestures without speech.

2. a play or entertainment in which the performers express themselves mutely by gestures, often to the accompaniment of music.

3. significant gesture without speech.

4. an actor in dumb show, as in ancient Rome.

5. Also called Christmas pantomime.  a form of theatrical spectacle common in England during the Christmas season, generally adapted from a fairy tale and including stock character types who perform songs and dances, tell jokes, etc.

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verb (used with object)

pantomimed, pantomiming

1. to represent or express in pantomime.

verb (used without object)

pantomimed, pantomiming

1. to express oneself in pantomime.

pantomime British  

/ ˈpæntəˌmaɪm, ˌpæntəˈmɪmɪk, ˈpæntəˌmaɪmɪst /

noun

1. 1. Sometimes shortened to: panto.  a kind of play performed at Christmas time characterized by farce, music, lavish sets, stock roles, and topical jokes

   2. ( as modifier )

      a pantomime horse

2. a theatrical entertainment in which words are replaced by gestures and bodily actions

3. action without words as a means of expression

4. (in ancient Rome) an actor in a dumb show

5. informal a confused or farcical situation

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verb

1. another word for mime

Other Word Forms

• pantomimic adjective
• pantomimical adjective
• pantomimically adverb
• pantomimicry noun
• pantomimist noun

Etymology

Origin of pantomime

1580–90; earlier pantomimus < Latin < Greek pantómīmos. See panto-, mime

Example Sentences

Actor Terry Gleed, who appeared alongside Windsor in pantomime in 2023, told the court he felt his co-star was "obsessed" with Strictly and would often watch clips of the show.

From BBC

You may find yourself pantomiming with one of your feet to your children in the persona of “Mr. Stinkyfoot,” a somewhat boorish Frenchman who espouses the importance of cleanliness and the needs for a bath.

From The Wall Street Journal

Serve her right, I thought, pantomiming like that.

From Literature

Shedeur Sanders pantomimes his responses about staying at No. 3 on the Cleveland Browns’ depth chart after fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel is named starter.

From Los Angeles Times

Owen turned to George with big eyes and pantomimed chewing and clawing, and George immediately understood.

From Literature

Related Words

• action
• body language
• expression
• indication
• nod
• reminder
• salute
• sign
• signal
• token