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

Explanation

If you make a motion with your hands to indicate eating ice cream, you are using pantomime. Parents often use this wordless communication to try to keep things from the kids. Unfortunately, the kids usually catch on quickly — especially if there is ice cream involved. An entire show, done without words is often called a pantomime, but around December, you may read about a Christmas pantomime. This is a traditional holiday show in the United Kingdom. The play is usually based on a fairy tale, and it is put on especially for children. Although it is called a pantomime or panto, the show actually includes talking, jokes, and music. The tradition goes back to the 1700s and is still popular today.

Example Sentences

Fitzpatrick was welcomed by pantomime boos from the partisan fans who were predictably rooting for their man.

From BBC • Mar. 15, 2026

The heat has been drawn from the situation since, but the Canadians seem a good fit for the role of pantomime villains.

From BBC • Feb. 21, 2026

After the final whistle, the visitors' social media team, leaning into their pantomime villain status, posted a picture of Williams sharing a joke with fellow British and Irish Lion Jamie George.

From BBC • Dec. 29, 2025

Possibly Mr. Cameron thinks mo-cap acting is a natural successor to 1920s pantomime, but it’s hard not to notice that blockbuster filmmaking has wandered about 26 trillion miles from the humanity of “City Lights.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 17, 2025

He could only pantomime, hoping she would turn his way and see him.

From "Fahrenheit 451" by Ray Bradbury

Related Words

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