mask
mahsk
Mask (noun) means a covering worn over the face for disguise, protection, or costume. Example: “Painters should wear a mask when sanding old walls indoors.”
noun
1
A covering worn over the face for disguise, protection, or costume.
"Painters should wear a mask when sanding old walls indoors."
"The surgeon put on a mask before entering the operating room."
"He wore a mask to the costume party."
2
Something that hides or disguises the truth.
"His jokes were a mask that hid how lonely he really felt."
"Politeness can be a mask for dislike."
"Her calm expression was a mask for her nerves."
verb
1
To cover the face, or to conceal something from view or detection.
"She tried to mask the bitter taste of the medicine with orange juice."
"Perfume can't mask the smell of smoke forever."
"He masked his disappointment with a smile."
2
To conceal or suppress one's neurodivergent traits in order to appear more neurotypical.
"Many autistic adults say that masking at work leaves them exhausted by evening."
"He had spent years masking his traits to fit in at school."
"She spent the whole meeting masking her discomfort with the noise."
How to use mask
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA face covering, or by extension, anything that hides the truth.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
wear a mask
mask your feelings
a face mask
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Word forms
- Plural
- masks
- Third person singular
- masks
- Past tense
- masked
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Painters should wear a _____ when sanding old walls indoors.
Etymology
From Middle French masque, from Italian maschera, from Medieval Latin masca — a doublet of "masque" and "mesh," and the source of "mascara" and "mascot" too.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for mask
See all rhymes for mask →Frequently asked questions
What does “mask” mean?
The word “mask” means a covering worn over the face for disguise, protection, or costume. In plain terms, a face covering, or by extension, anything that hides the truth.
How do you pronounce “mask”?
“Mask” is pronounced mahsk (/mæsk/ in IPA).
How do you use “mask” in a sentence?
Here is “mask” used in a sentence: “The surgeon put on a mask before entering the operating room.”
What is another word for “mask”?
Words with a similar meaning to “mask” include vizard.
What part of speech is “mask”?
Depending on how it is used, “mask” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “mask” come from?
The word “mask” comes from Medieval Latin. From Middle French masque, from Italian maschera, from Medieval Latin masca — a doublet of "masque" and "mesh," and the source of "mascara" and "mascot" too.
Is “mask” a common word?
“Mask” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “mask” have?
“Mask” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a covering worn over the face for disguise, protection, or costume.
What is the difference between a 'mask' and a 'disguise'?
A 'mask' is a specific covering worn over the face for disguise, protection, or costume. A 'disguise' is broader, meaning anything you use to change your appearance and hide your identity, of which a mask may be one part.
What is the difference between 'mask' and 'veil'?
A mask covers the face and is used for disguise, protection, or costume. A veil is usually a light fabric that partly covers the face or head, often for modesty or ceremony rather than concealing identity or offering protection.
What words commonly go with 'mask'?
As a noun, 'mask' pairs with words like face, surgical, gas, and Halloween. As a verb it often appears in phrases such as mask the pain, mask the smell, or mask the truth.
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