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)

, pan·to·mimed, pan·to·mim·ing.

1. to represent or express in pantomime.

verb (used without object)

, pan·to·mimed, pan·to·mim·ing.

1. to express oneself in pantomime.

pantomime

/ ˈpæntəˌmaɪm; ˌpæntəˈmɪmɪk; ˈpæntəˌmaɪmɪst /

noun

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

Derived Forms

• pantomimic, adjective
• pantomimist, noun

Other Words From

• pan·to·mim·ic [pan-t, uh, -, mim, -ik], panto·mimi·cal adjective
• panto·mimi·cal·ly adverb
• panto·mimic·ry 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

She is since making ends meet, including by singing in Chinese restaurants and performing in pantomimes for work.

From BBC

He is likely to be the pantomime villain at the Aviva.

From BBC

It has a pantomime theatricality to it, featuring shots of the audience and including moments when the actors corpse - a term used to describe breaking character and laughing - and ad-lib on stage.

From BBC

In most films, the background actors are pantomiming.

From Salon

King, former chairman and still the club's major shareholder, has been the main character in a footballing pantomime this past week - not for the first time.

From BBC

Related Words

• ape
• look like
• mirror
• resemble
• simulate