Advertisement - Continue reading below

Definition of "masquerade" []

  • A costume party at which masks are worn; a masked ball. Also called masque. (noun)
  • A costume for such a party or ball. (noun)
  • A disguise or false outward show; a pretense: a masquerade of humility. (noun)
  • An involved scheme; a charade. (noun)
  • To wear a mask or disguise, as at a masquerade: She masqueraded as a shepherd. (verb-intransitive)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "masquerade" in a sentence
  • "The masquerade is where fans play instruments and perform skits, dance numbers, and stand-up comedy in costume."
  • "His continuing masquerade is certainly evident in his most recent profanity-filled email to one of my SEAL Teammates … and includes the following colorful statement"
  • "The evidence of his shameful masquerade is clear and straightforward."