mystique

noun

mys·​tique mi-ˈstēk 

1

: an air or attitude of mystery (see mystery entry 1 sense 1) and reverence developing around something or someone

the legendary singer's mystique

the mystique of the liturgy

2

: the special esoteric skill essential in a calling or activity

the mystique of yoga

the mystique of hang gliding

Examples of mystique in a Sentence

There's a certain mystique to people who fight fires.

No one has been able to copy the legendary singer's mystique.

the mystique of mountain climbing

Recent Examples on the Web

We'll also be transported to the magic and mystique of Virgin River in the 1970s as Mel's father, Everett, meets Mel's mom for the first time. —Jessica Radloff, Glamour, 15 Dec. 2024

To get it in your inbox, sign up for free here. CNN — An enduring mystique surrounds the Voyager 1 and 2 probes. —Ashley Strickland, CNN, 7 Dec. 2024

The best river cruises have always had a certain mystique that draws travelers from far and wide—even those who are new to cruising. —Paris Wilson, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Dec. 2024

But they’re also known for their style, their attitude, their mystique: Didion, with her undersize body, her oversize sunglasses, her Pall Malls and Stingrays and migraines, and Tartt, looking like a female Sebastian Flyte, comporting herself like a southern J.D. Salinger. —Lili Anolik, Vulture, 12 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French, derivative of mystique, adjective, "magical, mystical," going back to Middle French, "having a hidden meaning," borrowed from Latin mysticus "secret" — more at mystic entry 1

First Known Use

1891, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

mystique

noun

mys·​tique mis-ˈtēk 

: an attitude of mystery and respect developing around something or someone

the mystique of mountain climbing