pantomime

[pan-tuh-mahym]

noun

1. the art or technique of conveying emotions, actions, feelings, etc., by gestures without speech.

2. a play or entertainment in which the performers express themselves mutely by gestures, often to the accompaniment of music.

3. significant gesture without speech.

4. an actor in dumb show, as in ancient Rome.

5. Also called Christmas pantomime. a form of theatrical spectacle common in England during the Christmas season, generally adapted from a fairy tale and including stock character types who perform songs and dances, tell jokes, etc.

verb (used with object)

pantomimed, pantomiming 

1. to represent or express in pantomime.

verb (used without object)

pantomimed, pantomiming 

1. to express oneself in pantomime.

pantomime

/ ˈpæntəˌmaɪm, ˌpæntəˈmɪmɪk, ˈpæntəˌmaɪmɪst /

noun

1. 1. Sometimes shortened to: panto. a kind of play performed at Christmas time characterized by farce, music, lavish sets, stock roles, and topical jokes

   2. ( as modifier )

      a pantomime horse

2. a theatrical entertainment in which words are replaced by gestures and bodily actions

3. action without words as a means of expression

4. (in ancient Rome) an actor in a dumb show

5. informal,  a confused or farcical situation

verb

1. another word for mime

Other Word Forms

• pantomimic adjective
• pantomimical adjective
• pantomimically adverb
• pantomimicry noun
• pantomimist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of pantomime¹

1580–90; earlier pantomimus < Latin < Greek pantómīmos. See panto-, mime

Word History and Origins

Origin of pantomime¹

C17: via Latin from Greek pantomīmos; see _panto- , _mime

Example Sentences

Then he pantomimed reeling in a fish and finding nothing on the hook.

Read more on Literature

One turns around slowly, pantomimes being shot, and carefully, deliberately, arches himself backward, clawing at the air before a stunt coordinator helps ease him toward a black mattress.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

I saw a guy at the club who reminded me of a young Richard Pryor, doing pantomime and stuff that was really funny.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Putin’s longstanding strategy of stalling, playing for time, and engaging in pantomime negotiations may have backfired.

Read more on Barron's

The Pinkmas event was set to run from 1 December to 4 January and include attractions such as a pink ice skating rink and a pantomime performance.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• action 
• body language 
• expression 
• indication 
• nod 
• reminder 
• salute 
• sign 
• signal 
• token