pantomime

American  

[pan-tuh-mahym] / ˈpæn təˌmaɪm /

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 British  

/ 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

Etymology

Origin of pantomime

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

Example Sentences

Just when it looked like the evening's pantomime villain would be an unlikely match-winner, White was penalised for a lunge on Federico Vinas in stoppage time.

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026

Jon Boutcher, who was Livingstone's predecessor leading the Kenova investigation, has described the situation preventing Scappaticci being named as a "pantomime".

From BBC • Jan. 25, 2026

Ellie would love to do a pantomime or a musical next, but her main goal is TV presenting.

From BBC • Dec. 31, 2025

"It's behind you!" is ringing around the theatre aisles, so it must be time for pantomime actors to take to the stage in one of Christmas's most important roles – the dame.

From BBC • Dec. 22, 2025

For such persons, being a butler is like playing some pantomime role; a small push, a slight stumble, and the facade will drop off to reveal the actor underneath.

From "The Remains of the Day" by Kazuo Ishiguro

Related Words

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