pantomime
/ˈpæntəˌmaɪm/ · pan.to.mime
noun
- A Classical comic actor, especially one who works mainly through gesture and mime. The ancient Greek pantomime was a master of his craft.
- The drama in ancient Greece and Rome featuring such performers; or (later) any of various kinds of performance modelled on such work. The pantomime was a popular form of entertainment in ancient Rome.
- 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 pantomime was a beloved holiday tradition for many families.
verb
- 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. The child pantomimed a story, using only her hands and face to convey the plot.
Did you know? The word pantomime comes from the Greek pantomimos, meaning 'all imitator', which refers to the actor's ability to imitate any character or situation through gesture and movement.