panto

¹ American  

[pan-toh] / ˈpæn toʊ /

noun

British.

plural

pantos

1. pantomime.

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panto- ² American  

1. a combining form synonymous with pan-:

   pantology.

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panto ¹ British  

/ ˈpæntəʊ /

noun

1. informal short for pantomime

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panto- ² British  

combining form

1. all

   pantisocracy

   pantofle

   pantograph

   pantomime

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Usage

What does panto- mean? Panto- is a combining form used like a prefix meaning “all.” It is occasionally used in a variety of scientific and technical terms. Panto- comes from the Greek pâs, meaning “all.” The equivalent form derived from Latin is omni-, as in omnivore, which comes from Latin omnis, “all.”What are variants of panto-?When combined with words or word elements that begin with a vowel, panto- becomes pant-, as in pantalgia. Another common variant of panto- is pan-, as in panhuman. Want to know more? Read our Words That Use articles on pan- and pant-.

Etymology

Origin of panto¹

By shortening

Origin of panto-²

Combining form representing Greek pant- (stem of pâs ) all

Example Sentences

Simon Sladen, chair of the UK Pantomime Association, a charity championing panto, tells BBC Newsbeat that Alicia's case is not unusual.

From BBC • Dec. 30, 2025

He appeared in the children's show Mr Majeika before retiring from television in 1990, gracing the stage in Scotland as a panto dame for a few more years before finally hanging up his wig.

From BBC • Dec. 12, 2025

He also appeared in the children's show Mr Majeika before retiring from television in 1990, but he continued to appear as a panto dame in Scotland for several more years.

From BBC • Dec. 12, 2025

For many children, a trip to the panto is their very first taste of the arts.

From BBC • Dec. 12, 2025

Why, I remember that at the Islington panto when I went to see you, Lilli, and that's donkey's years ago.

From Carnival by MacKenzie, Compton