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• mime
  mime

  noun

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

  abbreviation

  multipurpose internet mail extensions

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

Whereas a previous trailer for the movie featured jokes about electrocuting butts and how Mr. Mime is, well, a mime, the latest promotional video is 100% snark-free.

From Slate • Apr. 23, 2019

Handmade signs slung around necks advertised Relicanth or Corsola in exchange for Mr Mime or Tauros.

From The Guardian • Aug. 20, 2018

Take Mime et moi, which was founded by four men from Munich, Germany.

From BBC • Sep. 13, 2017

That is certainly the case with “Ghost Town,” equal parts San Francisco Mime Troupe, Chautauqua Circuit tent show, chamber of commerce symposium and “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.”

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 10, 2016

Thus the Mime was slain, as Wotan had said, by one who knew no fear.

From Operas Every Child Should Know Descriptions of the Text and Music of Some of the Most Famous Masterpieces by Bacon, Mary Schell Hoke

Related Words

• comedian