mime

1 of 3

noun

ˈmīm How to pronounce mime (audio)
also ˈmēm
Synonyms of mimenext
1
: an ancient dramatic entertainment representing scenes from life usually in a ridiculous manner
2
a
: an actor in a mime
b
: one that practices mime
3
: mimic sense 2
4
: pantomime sense 3

mime

2 of 3

verb

mimed; miming

intransitive verb

: to act a part with mimic gesture and action usually without words

transitive verb

1
: mimic
2
: to act out in the manner of a mime
mimer noun

MIME

3 of 3

abbreviation

multipurpose Internet mail extensions

Synonyms of mime

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Noun

Verb

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Examples of mime in a Sentence

Noun an actor with a gift for mime a performance done in mime an actor who is a talented mime Verb He mimed playing a guitar. She mimed picking up the phone and dialing a number.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
And Art the Clown’s mime-of-mayhem harlequin ghoulishness is part of the extremity. — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 4 Aug. 2026 In bodycam footage released by police from the early hours of March 19, 2025, Natland emerges topless from his room and mimes a shooting gesture at a firearms officer before being slammed against a wall. — Frank Andrews, CBS News, 29 July 2026
Verb
Johnson, committed to not speaking, tried to mime a response. — Victoria Edel, PEOPLE, 17 July 2026 Pressing my best sad face and hands against the window, I’d mime a plea for rescue to passing motorists. — Lisa Liu Grady, Christian Science Monitor, 9 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for mime

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Latin mimus, from Greek mimos

First Known Use

Noun

1616, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1728, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of mime was in 1616

Rhymes for mime

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Browse Nearby Words

Mimbres
mime
MIME
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Cite this Entry

“Mime.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mime. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

mime

1 of 2 noun
ˈmīm How to pronounce mime (audio)
ˈmēm
1
a
: an actor in a mime
b
: a person who practices mime
2
: mimic sense 2
3
: an ancient play or skit representing scenes from life usually in a ridiculous manner
4
: the art of showing a character or telling a story by body movements

mime

2 of 2 verb
mimed; miming
1
: to act in a mime
2
: to imitate closely : mimic
3
: to act out in the manner of a mime

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Nglish: Translation of mime for Spanish Speakers

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