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Definition of masque

masque

/mæsk/
masque
Plural:masques
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masque Lexical Profile

masque Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A facial cosmetic treatment applied to cleanse or improve the skin, or a stylized spelling of 'mask' referring to a face covering.

Example

"She applied a hydrating clay masque to her face before the event."

2

A masked ball or party where guests wear costumes and face coverings.

Example

"The aristocrats gathered at the grand palace for a lavish midnight masque."

3

A form of festive courtly entertainment that flourished in 16th- and early 17th-century Europe, involving music, dancing, singing, and acting within an elaborate stage design.

Example

"Ben Jonson was famous for writing elaborate masques for the Stuart court, often collaborating with the architect Inigo Jones."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for masque

Word Nuance & Usage

While 'masque' refers specifically to the historic Renaissance court entertainment or a masquerade ball, 'mask' is the standard English spelling for the physical face covering.

• Rhymes for masque

• Nearby Words

mason
masonic
masonry
masque
masquerade
masquerader
mass

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the 16th century from Middle French 'masque', from Italian 'maschera'. It is of uncertain ultimate origin, possibly deriving from the Arabic 'maskhara' meaning 'buffoon' or 'mockery'.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Masque. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/masque
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