# masque

/mˈæsk/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/masque
Updated: 2026-10-18

## Definition

a grand show with music, dancing and acting for kings and rich people in England long ago. The actors often wore masks.

For teachers: a lavish court entertainment popular in 16th- and 17th-century England, combining verse, music, dance and elaborate costume and scenery. Performers and spectators often wore masks, and aristocrats sometimes took part.

## Examples

- Students study a famous masque in theatre history.
- The drama class recreated a short masque with music, dance and masks for the school festival.
- The court masque combined poetry, music and painted scenery to honour the ruler while giving nobles a chance to dance in disguise.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.