masque

American  

[mask, mahsk] / mæsk, mɑsk /

Or mask

noun

1. a form of aristocratic entertainment in England in the 16th and 17th centuries, originally consisting of pantomime and dancing but later including dialogue and song, presented in elaborate productions given by amateur and professional actors.

2. a dramatic composition for such entertainment.

3. a masquerade; masked ball; revel.

4. mask.

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masque British  

/ mɑːsk /

noun

1. a dramatic entertainment of the 16th to 17th centuries in England, consisting of pantomime, dancing, dialogue, and song, often performed at court

2. the words and music written for a masque

3. short for masquerade

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Etymology

Origin of masque

From Middle French, dating back to 1505–15; mask

Example Sentences

The actual transformation occurs in Jonson’s subsequent masque.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 4, 2025

I also got a hydrating, collagen-boosting facial, an herbal hair steam and a conditioning hair masque.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 21, 2024

Almost entirely, the ceremonial formality of the coronation resembled an elaborate masque, in which each gorgeously costumed participant played his or her part in creating collective meaning.

From New York Times • May 6, 2023

The spirit trumpet is one of a number of arcane and intriguing objects in Linder’s exhibition, which is titled The House of Fame, in tribute to a Ben Jonson masque and Chaucer’s dream poem.

From The Guardian • Mar. 22, 2018

Ash wondered suddenly if Ana and Clara were dancing with the hunters at the royal masque.

From "Ash" by Malinda Lo