panto

¹ American  

[pan-toh] / ˈpæn toʊ /

noun

British.

plural

pantos

1. pantomime.

---

panto- ² American  

1. a combining form synonymous with pan-:

   pantology.

---

panto ¹ British  

/ ˈpæntəʊ /

noun

1. informal short for pantomime

---

panto- ² British  

combining form

1. all

   pantisocracy

   pantofle

   pantograph

   pantomime

---

Usage

What does panto- mean? Panto- is a combining form used like a prefix meaning “all.” It is occasionally used in a variety of scientific and technical terms. Panto- comes from the Greek pâs, meaning “all.” The equivalent form derived from Latin is omni-, as in omnivore, which comes from Latin omnis, “all.”What are variants of panto-?When combined with words or word elements that begin with a vowel, panto- becomes pant-, as in pantalgia. Another common variant of panto- is pan-, as in panhuman. Want to know more? Read our Words That Use articles on pan- and pant-.

Etymology

Origin of panto¹

By shortening

Origin of panto-²

Combining form representing Greek pant- (stem of pâs ) all

Example Sentences

"We have a gap over Christmas and luckily I was able to audition and find a panto that could just fit my dates, otherwise I would have no income over Christmas," she says.

From BBC • Dec. 30, 2025

But even if she hadn't, she would still love the world of panto.

From BBC • Dec. 30, 2025

He appeared in the children's show Mr Majeika before retiring from television in 1990, gracing the stage in Scotland as a panto dame for a few more years before finally hanging up his wig.

From BBC • Dec. 12, 2025

The panto is in its ninth year and chief executive Becky Dash says she does not think the theatre would exist without one.

From BBC • Dec. 12, 2025

"Reminds me of goblins at a panto," thought Bobby.

From Billy Barcroft, R.N.A.S. A story of the Great War by Westerman, Percy F. (Percy Francis)