panto
noun
panto
1 American
[pan-toh]
/ ˈpæn toʊ /
noun
British.
pantos
plural
panto-
2
American
panto
1
British
/ ˈpæntəʊ /
noun
panto-
2
British
combining form
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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
He also appeared in the ITV 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. 31, 2025
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 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
A BBC investigation has found theatres are relying on these festive productions for a big chunk of their earnings - with one reporting last year's panto brought in 45% of its annual income.
From BBC • Dec. 12, 2025
"I once was in the chorus in a panto at Hanbridge," she said.
From The Regent by Bennett, Arnold
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.
