Sekirov Dictionary

pantomime

UK /ˈpæn.təˌmʌɪm/US /ˈpæn.təˌmaɪm/

noun 4
verb 2
forms 3

noun4

The drama in ancient Greece and Rome featuring such performers; or (later) any of various kinds of performance modelled on such work.
(UK) A traditional theatrical entertainment, originally based on the commedia dell'arte, but later aimed mostly at children and involving physical comedy, topical jokes, call and response, and fairy-tale plots.
•
The act of gesturing without speaking; a dumb-show, a mime.
- A staid, steadfast man, whose life for the most part was a telling pantomime of action, and not a tame chapter of sounds. — 1851
•
(no longer used) A Classical comic actor, especially one who works mainly through gesture and mime.
- [He] saw a pantomime perform so well that he could follow the performance from the action alone. — 1865

verb2

•
To make (a gesture) without speaking.
- I pantomimed steering a car; he understood, and tossed the keys to me.
To entertain others by silent gestures or actions.

forms

pantomimed · pantomiming · pantomimes

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