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mystery
1[ mis-tuh-ree, -tree ]
/ ˈmɪs tə ri, -tri /
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noun, plural mys·ter·ies.
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Origin of mystery
1First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English misteri(e), from Latin mystērium “a secret,” (plural) mystēria “secret rites,” from Greek mystḗrion, equivalent to mýs(tēs) “an initiate (into the Eleusinian mysteries)” + -tērion noun suffix; see also mystic)
Words nearby mystery
mysophobia, Mysore, MySpace, mystagogue, mysterious, mystery, mystery bag, mystery play, mystery tour, mystic, mystical
Other definitions for mystery (2 of 2)
mystery2
[ mis-tuh-ree ]
/ ˈmɪs tə ri /
noun, plural mys·ter·ies.Archaic.
a craft or trade.
a guild, as of merchants.
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use mystery in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for mystery (1 of 2)
mystery1
/ (ˈmɪstərɪ, -trɪ) /
noun plural -teries
Word Origin for mystery
C14: via Latin from Greek mustērion secret rites. See mystic
British Dictionary definitions for mystery (2 of 2)
mystery2
/ (ˈmɪstərɪ) /
noun plural -teries archaic
a trade, occupation, or craft
a guild of craftsmen
Word Origin for mystery
C14: from Medieval Latin mistērium, from Latin ministerium occupation, from minister official
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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