What does pantomime mean?
Pantomime is a dramatic or communicative style that relies on gesture, facial expression, and physical movement rather than spoken words. Its stories can be enacted through a carefully planned sequence of movements, as in a stage production, or suggested through conspicuous gestures in conversation. The word also has a particularly British cultural meaning: a comic Christmas pantomime featuring songs, audience participation, colorful costumes, and familiar characters such as the traditional dame and villain. Although closely related to mime, pantomime is broader because it can name both an individual performance and a theatrical tradition. Historically, the term was borrowed from Greek, where it referred to an “all-mimicking” performer, and it came to describe increasingly elaborate wordless theatrical forms. Today, “pantomime” remains useful for discussing nonverbal performance, festive British theatre, and the expressive potential of the body as a means of communication.
A dramatic performance that tells a story through gesture, movement, and facial expression rather than spoken words; in Britain, a comic stage production, especially one presented at Christmas.
"The company will perform a lively Christmas pantomime this December."
The Christmas sense is especially associated with British and Irish English.
To communicate a meaning through exaggerated gestures or movements rather than words.
"He pantomimed his confusion while the telephone remained disconnected."
This use is somewhat theatrical and can suggest deliberate exaggeration.
Used for separate pantomime performances or productions.
"The festival has featured local pantomimes for more than fifty years."
From the Greek for “all mime,” pantomime turns the whole body into a voice.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of pantomime
The word entered English in the late 16th century from French pantomime, from Italian pantomimo, and ultimately from Greek pantomimos, meaning “all-mimicking.” Greek pantomime originally described a solo masked performer who enacted a story through movement, gesture, and musical accompaniment. Over time, the English term came to denote both the performer and the wider dramatic form, including modern British Christmas pantomime.
Related word forms
How pantomime is actually used
In British English, “pantomime” often refers to a comic Christmas stage show. In both British and American English, it can also describe wordless performance or conspicuous, exaggerated gesturing, sometimes with a faintly dismissive implication.
Easily confused with pantomime
A mime is a performer who acts through gesture, whereas pantomime can refer to an entire theatrical genre or production.