Pantomime
/ˈpæn.tə.maɪm/noun
A dramatic entertainment in which performers express meaning through gestures accompanied by music.
Did you know?The term 'pantomime' originates from the Greek word 'pantomimos', meaning 'all-imitating', and was used in ancient times to describe performers who mimicked the gods!
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
pantomimos
“one who imitates all (often in performance)”
Latin
Latin
pantomimus
“a dancer or actor who performs in a silent dramatic form”
Middle English
Middle English
pantomime
“a theatrical performance involving gestures and music”
16th Century
English
pantomime
“an entertainment form using dramatic gestures and often comic elements”
Modern English
English
pantomime
“a theatrical performance characterized by the use of gestures, often associated with festive performances during Christmas”
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