mime

American  

[mahym, meem] / maɪm, mim /

noun

1. the art or technique of portraying a character, mood, idea, or narration by gestures and bodily movements; pantomime.

2. an actor who specializes in this art.

3. an ancient Greek or Roman farce that depended for effect largely upon ludicrous actions and gestures.

4. a player in such a farce.

5. mimic.

6. a jester, clown, or comedian.

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verb (used with object)

mimed, miming

1. to mimic.

2. to act in mime.

verb (used without object)

mimed, miming

1. to play a part by mime or mimicry.

mime ¹ British  

/ maɪm /

noun

1. the theatrical technique of expressing an idea or mood or portraying a character entirely by gesture and bodily movement without the use of words

2. Also called: mime artist.  a performer specializing in such a technique, esp a comic actor

3. a dramatic presentation using such a technique

4. 1. a comic performance depending for effect largely on exaggerated gesture and physical action

   2. an actor in such a performance

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verb

1. to express (an idea) in actions or gestures without speech

2. (of singers or musicians) to perform as if singing (a song) or playing (a piece of music) that is actually prerecorded

MIME ² British  

abbreviation

1. multipurpose internet mail extensions

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Other Word Forms

• mimer noun

Etymology

Origin of mime

1610–20; < Latin mīmus < Greek mîmos imitator, mime, akin to mīmeîsthai to copy, imitate

Explanation

A mime is a performer who uses exaggerated facial expressions and body movements — instead of words — to communicate with his audience. You may have seen a mime pretending she's trapped in an invisible box, using gestures to make it appear that she is pushing against walls and a ceiling. Many mimes also wear clown-like makeup, wear simple clothing, and refuse to speak. You can use the word mime as a verb as well, to describe what you do when you imitate your least favorite teacher for the amusement of your friends. The Greek root word is mimos, "imitator, actor, or buffoon."

Example Sentences

In the late 1980s, Ms Lloyd was studying at a school of mime in London where she befriended magician Jenny Winstanley.

From BBC • Apr. 23, 2025

The predominantly male performers in Kerala and parts of neighbouring Karnataka embody deities through elaborate costumes, face paint, and trance-like dances, mime and music.

From BBC • Nov. 30, 2024

It was a typical day on the set of Tim Burton’s “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” and a dead mime was screaming.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 12, 2024

Maybe that mime on the beach who nearly drowned.

From Salon • Mar. 14, 2024

If I drop out of high school, I could be a mime.

From "Speak" by Laurie Halse Anderson

Related Words

• comedian