mystique
Americannoun
-
a framework of doctrines, ideas, beliefs, or the like, constructed around a person or object, endowing the person or object with enhanced value or profound meaning.
the mystique of Poe.
-
an aura of mystery or mystical power surrounding a particular occupation or pursuit.
the mystique of nuclear science.
noun
Etymology
Origin of mystique
1890–95; < French (adj.); see mystic
Explanation
An air of mystery around someone gives that person a certain mystique, like your glamorous next door neighbor who's rumored to work for the CIA. The noun mystique is good for describing someone you find fascinating, like your beautiful and mysterious French teacher with that special mystique. A place or an object can also be described this way; many travelers are attracted to India's mystique, for example. The root of mystique is thought to be the Greek word mystikos, "secret or mystic."
Vocabulary lists containing mystique
This Week in Words: Feb. 25 - Mar. 2, 2018
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
2015 Spelling Bee - Words from Round 2
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
English Words Derived from French, List 8
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
It also helped that the British monarchy retains a certain aura, even after decades of tabloid headlines and Netflix series have tried to drain away the mystique.
From Slate • Apr. 28, 2026
“The mystique isn’t threatened by having more eyeballs on it,” said Bo McBrayer, co-host of the BettingPros golf podcast.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2026
Sharing food with others has also helped to take away the "mystique" that others may associate with Muslims, he said.
From BBC • Mar. 20, 2026
It will certainly degrade and damage Iran’s infrastructure, standing, mystique.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 5, 2026
I accepted the assignment because I was in the grip of the Everest mystique.
From "Into Thin Air" by Jon Krakauer
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
