This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
masquerade
[ mas-kuh-reyd ]
/ ˌmæs kəˈreɪd /
Save This Word!
This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
noun
a party, dance, or other festive gathering of persons wearing masks and other disguises, and often elegant, historical, or fantastic costumes.
a costume or disguise worn at such a gathering.
false outward show; façade; pretense: a hypocrite's masquerade of virtue.
activity, existence, etc., under false pretenses: a rich man's masquerade as a beggar.
verb (used without object), mas·quer·ad·ed, mas·quer·ad·ing.
QUIZ
WILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?
Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!
Question 1 of 7
Fill in the blank: I can’t figure out _____ gave me this gift.
Origin of masquerade
OTHER WORDS FROM masquerade
mas·quer·ad·er, nounWords nearby masquerade
Maspero, mas. pil., Masqat, masque, masquer, masquerade, mass, massa, Massachuset, Massachusett, Massachusetts
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use masquerade in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for masquerade
masquerade
/ (ˌmæskəˈreɪd) /
noun
a party or other gathering to which the guests wear masks and costumes
the disguise worn at such a function
a pretence or disguise
verb (intr)
to participate in a masquerade; disguise oneself
to dissemble
Derived forms of masquerade
masquerader, nounWord Origin for masquerade
C16: from Spanish mascarada, from mascara mask
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012