pantomime

n. a funny musical play for children, usually performed around Christmas in the UK, featuring jokes and fairy tales.

n. a traditional British theatrical entertainment for children involving music, topical jokes, and slapstick, often based on fairy tales.

“We took the children to see a pantomime of Cinderella during the Christmas holidays.”

“The local theatre's annual pantomime remains their most profitable production, drawing large family audiences with its blend of slapstick and satire.”

British English

n. the act of using hand movements and facial expressions to tell a story without speaking.

n. the use of gestures and facial expressions to convey meaning or a narrative without the use of speech.

“He used pantomime to show that he wanted a glass of water since he couldn't speak the language.”

“The hiker resorted to pantomime to communicate his injury to the rescue team across the valley.”

Formal

n. a type of performance in ancient Rome where one actor played all the parts using only gestures.

n. a form of dramatic entertainment in ancient Rome in which a single performer portrayed all characters through dance and gesture.

“Historians study the Roman pantomime to understand how ancient audiences enjoyed silent storytelling.”

“The Roman pantomime differed significantly from modern mime, as it was often accompanied by a chorus and an orchestra.”

Technical · Archaic

v. to act something out using only your body and face without making any sound.

v. to represent or express something through silent gesture and movement.

“She pantomimed opening a heavy door to show the children how to act.”

“The witness pantomimed the act of drawing a weapon to clarify his testimony for the jury.”

Formal