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

Explanation

If you make a motion with your hands to indicate eating ice cream, you are using pantomime. Parents often use this wordless communication to try to keep things from the kids. Unfortunately, the kids usually catch on quickly — especially if there is ice cream involved. An entire show, done without words is often called a pantomime, but around December, you may read about a Christmas pantomime. This is a traditional holiday show in the United Kingdom. The play is usually based on a fairy tale, and it is put on especially for children. Although it is called a pantomime or panto, the show actually includes talking, jokes, and music. The tradition goes back to the 1700s and is still popular today.

Example Sentences

Richarlison, the pantomime villain, had the last word as he, above all, answered Tudor's call to fight.

From BBC • Mar. 15, 2026

Actor Terry Gleed, who appeared alongside Windsor in pantomime in 2023, told the court he felt his co-star was "obsessed" with Strictly and would often watch clips of the show.

From BBC • Feb. 11, 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

"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

When we reached the end of our sloppy, extemporaneous dance I started to perform a ridiculous curtsy that felt appropriate to the pantomime we’d been doing, but Luc held out his hand again.

From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse

Related Words

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