mystic

1 of 2

adjective

mys·​tic ˈmi-stik How to pronounce mystic (audio)
1
2
: of or relating to mysteries or esoteric rites : occult
3
: of or relating to mysticism or mystics
4
c
: inducing a feeling of awe or wonder
d
: having magical properties

mystic

2 of 2

noun

1
: a follower of a mystical way of life
2
: an advocate of a theory of mysticism

Examples of mystic in a Sentence

Adjective She had a mystic vision while praying. the notion that a cat has nine lives is based upon the belief that nine is a mystic 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.
Adjective
The show is a mystic library, full of places that no longer exist. Jerry Saltz, Vulture, 13 Nov. 2024 This is the art of a Zen master or masterful art, the poetry of a mystic, or the grace of a selfless act of leadership. Ginny Whitelaw, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024
Noun
The cards were drawn under strict instruction of A. E. Waite, a prominent male mystic and freemason. Nina-Sophia Miralles, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024 These notorious mystics from film and television exemplify their corresponding zodiac sign. Lisa Stardust, People.com, 26 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for mystic 

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English mystyke "open to symbolic or spiritual interpretation," borrowed from Latin mysticus "of secret rites, secret," borrowed from Greek mystikós, from mýstēs "person initiated (into a religious cult)" (probably from mys-, variant stem of mȳ́ein "to close, shut [the eyes]"—of uncertain origin— + -tēs, agent suffix) + ikos -ic entry 1

Noun

probably derivative of mystic entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1640, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of mystic was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near mystic

Cite this Entry

“Mystic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mystic. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

mystic

1 of 2 adjective
mys·​tic ˈmis-tik How to pronounce mystic (audio)
1
2
: of or relating to magic : occult
3

mystic

2 of 2 noun
: a person who seeks direct knowledge of God through meditation and prayer

Geographical Definition

Mystic

geographical name

Mys·​tic ˈmi-stik How to pronounce Mystic (audio)
river in eastern Massachusetts flowing southeast into Boston Harbor

More from Merriam-Webster on mystic

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!