dumb show
Americannoun
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a part of a dramatic representation given in pantomime, common in early English drama.
-
gestures without speech.
noun
-
a part of a play acted in pantomime, popular in early English drama
-
meaningful gestures; mime
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of dumb show
First recorded in 1555–65
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.
What We Do in the Shadows is not just a dumb show about dumb vampires.
From Slate ● Dec. 14, 2019
But Key is weirdly asked in the dumb show prelude of “The Mousetrap” to do some physical comedy that might have been too ludicrous for his “Key and Peele” comedy show.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 19, 2017
Initially, we’re given a primer on the mere plot of “The Tempest,” largely by means of dumb show.
From New York Times ● Nov. 29, 2012
That's Spartacus for you: the big dumb show that's smarter than you think.
From The Guardian ● Mar. 21, 2011
A ceremony followed, in dumb show, in which it was easy to recognise the pantomime of a marriage.
From "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Brontë
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