Words / B1

PANT-uh-mym/ˈpæntəmaɪm/

A pantomime (often panto) is a noisy UK Christmas theatre show for families: songs, jokes, and shouts of “he’s behind you”. In US English pantomime usually means mime — acting without words — so the mix-up is important. Collocation: go to the pantomime; a panto dame. Countable.

Meaning

A comic Christmas theatre show for families, with songs and audience shouts (UK).

Examples

• “We booked seats for the pantomime at the town theatre.”
• “The pantomime at the civic hall always sells out in November.”
• “Kids are expected to shout during a pantomime; it is part of the show.”

Good to know

a pantomime / a panto (UK Christmas show). US pantomime often = mime. Contrast: a musical / a play.

Near in meaning

panto

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