Word
mime
/ˈmaɪm/
Definition
n. a type of performance where an actor tells a story using only body movements and facial expressions. You do not use any words or sounds while performing this.
n. a form of theatrical performance in which a narrative is conveyed through bodily movements and gestures, without the use of speech. Refers both to the art form itself and to a performer of this art.
Examples
“The street performer used mime to pretend he was trapped in a box.”
“The drama teacher encouraged the students to use mime to improve their physical awareness on stage.”
“While modern audiences often associate mime with white-faced street performers, it remains a foundational technique in physical theatre for conveying complex emotional states without dialogue.”
Examples
simple
“The street performer used mime to pretend he was trapped in a box.”
contextual
“The drama teacher encouraged the students to use mime to improve their physical awareness on stage.”
complex
“While modern audiences often associate mime with white-faced street performers, it remains a foundational technique in physical theatre for conveying complex emotional states without dialogue.”
Usage
Uncountable when referring to the art form; countable when referring to a specific performer or a specific act.
Real-World Examples
“We often do this when communicating on vacation with someone who doesn't speak our language; we point, mime and emote to get our message across.” Word family
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/mime