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.

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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

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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

He also revealed he had been dubbed "Sheenie the genie" by his youngest daughter Mabli after his role in Swansea Grand Theatre's Christmas pantomime, Aladdin.

From BBC • Mar. 5, 2026

The heat has been drawn from the situation since, but the Canadians seem a good fit for the role of pantomime villains.

From BBC • Feb. 21, 2026

"I think because of where pantomime is now, in the sense of being respected and having this great quality, I think more people want to be in it," he says.

From BBC • Dec. 30, 2025

After the final whistle, the visitors' social media team, leaning into their pantomime villain status, posted a picture of Williams sharing a joke with fellow British and Irish Lion Jamie George.

From BBC • Dec. 29, 2025

I would pantomime putting the hat on my head and work on just the right bland lines for the press: “Our team works hard in practice, and it pays off in the games.”

From "The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates" by Wes Moore

Related Words

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