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
• pantomimist noun
• pantomimical adjective
• pantomimically adverb
• pantomimicry 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

On his way to reaching the 2019 final, the he assumed the role of pantomime villain as he wound up the American fans.

From BBC

"I can take her to Eden Court Theatre - and I want to take her to the pantomime in Inverness - that's my biggest dream."

From BBC

“I’m snitching,” he said, before pantomiming a conversation with a co-defendant.

From Los Angeles Times

Hill explained his stepfather, Tony, had met his mother in an amateur dramatics group, and often wrote pantomimes and starred in them as the dame.

From BBC

It would be easy to present Goodwin, who was stripped of his knighthood but retained his pension, as a pantomime villain.

From BBC

Related Words

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