1 mystery play | Definition of mystery play
Logo
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

mystery play

noun

Definition of mystery play

: a medieval drama based on scriptural incidents (such as the creation of the world, the Flood, or the life, death, and resurrection of Christ) — compare miracle play

Examples of mystery play in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 Likewise my fascination with medieval mystery plays, which dramatized the Old and New Testaments, the production of each biblical tale sponsored by a different guild: the guys who made nails, say, taking charge of staging Jesus’s crucifixion. — New York Times, "When Theater is a Religious Experience," 2 July 2019 In Germany, mystery plays were performed on Christmas Eve, traditionally celebrated in the church calendar as the feast day of Adam and Eve. — Amanda Foreman, WSJ, "Trees of Life and Wonder," 13 Dec. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'mystery play.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of mystery play

1852, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for mystery play

for earlier mystery entry 1 in sense "mystery play"

Keep scrolling for more

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for mystery play

mystery play

noun

English Language Learners Definition of mystery play

: a religious play in the Middle Ages based on a story from the Bible (such as the creation of the world or the birth of Jesus Christ)

See the full definition for mystery play in the English Language Learners Dictionary

More from Merriam-Webster on mystery play

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with mystery play

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about mystery play

WORD OF THE DAY

See Definitions and Examples

Get Word of the Day daily email!