plural masks
1
a(1)
: a cover or partial cover for the face used for disguise
(2)
: a person wearing a mask : masker
b(1)
: a figure of a head worn on the stage in antiquity to identify the character and project the voice
(2)
: a grotesque false face worn at carnivals or in rituals
c
: an often grotesque carved head or face used as an ornament (as on a keystone)
d
: a sculptured face or a copy of a face made by means of a mold
2
a
: a protective covering for the face or part of the face
The hockey puck struck the goalie's mask.
a snorkel mask
see also ski mask
b(1)
: a device usually covering the mouth and nose to facilitate delivery of a gas (such as a general anesthetic) see also oxygen mask
(2)
: a comparable device or a covering (as of polypropylene fiber or cotton fabric) to prevent inhalation of dangerous substances or to prevent the inhalation or dispersal of exhaled infectious material (such as bacteria or viruses) see also face mask, gas mask, procedure mask, surgical mask
c
or less commonly masque
: a cosmetic preparation for the skin of the face that produces a tightening effect as it dries
3
b
: something that conceals from view
c
: a translucent or opaque screen to cover part of the sensitive surface in taking or printing a photograph
d
: a pattern of opaque material used to shield selected areas of a surface (as of a semiconductor) in deposition or etching (as in producing an integrated circuit) see also photomask
4
a
: the head or face of an animal (such as a fox or dog)
b
: an area (such as the one around the eyes) of an animal's face that is distinguished by usually darker coloring
masked; masking; masks
1
: to provide or conceal (someone or something) with a mask: such as
a
: to conceal (something) from view
mask a gun battery
The entrance was masked by shrubs and flowers.
b
: to make (something) indistinct or imperceptible
masks undesirable flavors
mask the smell with a scented candle
[Dr. Joseph] Murray cautioned that people who go gluten-free to ease stomach problems may end up masking the symptoms of underlying conditions such as Crohn's disease, an immune disorder that affects the digestive tract.—
Kiera Butler
Kiera Butler
c
: to hide or conceal (something, such as one's motives or feelings)
The excuse masked his real purpose.
… a practiced yet futile attempt to mask embarrassment or anger with a smile …—David Remnick
David Remnick2
: to cover (the face or part of the face) with or as if with a mask
The low hood masked her eyes.
The leader masked his face with a scarf, her mother says, but she recognized the raspy voice of their neighbor …—National Geographic
National Geographic3
: to cover (something) for protection
Painters frequently use tape to mask … adjacent surfaces such as walls or trim.—Gwen Bruno
Gwen Bruno4
: to modify the size or shape of (something, such as a photograph) by means of an opaque border
1
a
: to put on a mask : to cover the face with a mask
As workplaces reopen, employees must mask and wash hands frequently.—Robert A. Weinstein and Cory Franklin
—often used with upRobert A. Weinstein and Cory FranklinOn a recent weekend, we masked up and went for a bicycle ride in Tokyo.—Motoko Rich and Noriko Hayashi
Motoko Rich and Noriko Hayashi
b
: to disguise one's true character or intentions
2
: to take part in a masquerade
Synonyms
Examples of mask in a Sentence
Noun
Everyone wore costumes and masks to the dance.
Doctors wear surgical masks in the operating room.
Verb
The house was masked by trees.
They tried to mask their real purpose.
She tried using perfume to mask the bad odor.
Recent Examples on the WebKatie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 30 Apr. 2024
Timberlake even got in on the fun himself in 2020, posting a version of the meme on X where his mouth is covered by a mask during the COVID-19 pandemic.
—Gabe Hauari, USA TODAY, 30 Apr. 2024
Greek officials issued a health warning for residents, advising against exercise and long excursions outdoors and encouraging people to wear masks and shut windows and doors.
—Christian Thorsberg, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 Apr. 2024
During the pandemic, personal injury lawyer James Wang was pictured wearing a mask on billboards around Los Angeles.
—Caroline Petrow-Cohen, Los Angeles Times, 24 Apr. 2024
This tactic is common among legislators, but in this case, the TikTok bill’s hurried passage masks any attempts to game out the logistics of a TikTok ban or divestiture.
—Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 24 Apr. 2024
In the evidence room, the filmmakers were able to find a contact for the mask maker.
—Jackie Strause, The Hollywood Reporter, 23 Apr. 2024
Moments later, in a shocking turn of events, a man wearing a black mask and wielding a gun emerged from the Acura in broad daylight, Lemma said.
—Kc Baker, Peoplemag, 23 Apr. 2024
Fashion’s Latest Muses: An industry long known for revering willowy bodies is taking a new interest in muscle with female bodybuilders as models.
Objects That Inspire: Simone Bellotti, the creative director of Bally, shares his influences including club DJs, fishing apparel and ceremonial masks.
—Ella Riley-Adams, New York Times, 18 Apr. 2024
Alyssa Edwards, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024
There was nothing masking that, there were no layers that were covering that up.
—Julia Moore, Peoplemag, 3 Apr. 2024
In-flight air rage hit record highs in 2021, mostly because of masking requirements.
—Christopher Elliott, USA TODAY, 29 Mar. 2024
The steep rise in interest rates last year may have helped mask any underlying malaise in the Swiss financial system.
—Bastian Benrath, Fortune Europe, 4 Apr. 2024
That means Cornbread Hemp doesn't need to add flavoring to mask the taste of their CBD oils, because there's nothing to hide!
—Cbd Scout, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024
Digital streaming viewers often use this VPN masking technology to access shows restricted in certain markets and blacked out sports events.
—Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 3 Apr. 2024
Sometimes girls may not fit the criteria of autism, and girls tend to be better able to mask symptoms by mimicking friends' behaviors.
—Michael George, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2024
Garnish: Lee pointed out that the oils of an orange peel expressed over the top works to mask the bacon aroma, which does some additional work to keep the bacon effect subtle.
—Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 30 Mar. 2024
Noun
Fortunately, this mask — which has more than 44,000 five-star ratings — blocks 100 percent of light and promises total darkness.
—Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 30 Apr. 2024
Timberlake even got in on the fun himself in 2020, posting a version of the meme on X where his mouth is covered by a mask during the COVID-19 pandemic.
—Gabe Hauari, USA TODAY, 30 Apr. 2024
Greek officials issued a health warning for residents, advising against exercise and long excursions outdoors and encouraging people to wear masks and shut windows and doors.
—Christian Thorsberg, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 Apr. 2024
During the pandemic, personal injury lawyer James Wang was pictured wearing a mask on billboards around Los Angeles.
—Caroline Petrow-Cohen, Los Angeles Times, 24 Apr. 2024
This tactic is common among legislators, but in this case, the TikTok bill’s hurried passage masks any attempts to game out the logistics of a TikTok ban or divestiture.
—Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 24 Apr. 2024
In the evidence room, the filmmakers were able to find a contact for the mask maker.
—Jackie Strause, The Hollywood Reporter, 23 Apr. 2024
Moments later, in a shocking turn of events, a man wearing a black mask and wielding a gun emerged from the Acura in broad daylight, Lemma said.
—Kc Baker, Peoplemag, 23 Apr. 2024
Fashion’s Latest Muses: An industry long known for revering willowy bodies is taking a new interest in muscle with female bodybuilders as models.
Objects That Inspire: Simone Bellotti, the creative director of Bally, shares his influences including club DJs, fishing apparel and ceremonial masks.
—Ella Riley-Adams, New York Times, 18 Apr. 2024
Verb
Each capsule is naturally lemon-flavored as well to mask the fishy aftertaste.
—Alyssa Edwards, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024
There was nothing masking that, there were no layers that were covering that up.
—Julia Moore, Peoplemag, 3 Apr. 2024
In-flight air rage hit record highs in 2021, mostly because of masking requirements.
—Christopher Elliott, USA TODAY, 29 Mar. 2024
The steep rise in interest rates last year may have helped mask any underlying malaise in the Swiss financial system.
—Bastian Benrath, Fortune Europe, 4 Apr. 2024
That means Cornbread Hemp doesn't need to add flavoring to mask the taste of their CBD oils, because there's nothing to hide!
—Cbd Scout, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024
Digital streaming viewers often use this VPN masking technology to access shows restricted in certain markets and blacked out sports events.
—Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 3 Apr. 2024
Sometimes girls may not fit the criteria of autism, and girls tend to be better able to mask symptoms by mimicking friends' behaviors.
—Michael George, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2024
Garnish: Lee pointed out that the oils of an orange peel expressed over the top works to mask the bacon aroma, which does some additional work to keep the bacon effect subtle.
—Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 30 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'mask.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Mask.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mask. Accessed 3 May. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
mask
1 of 2 noun1
a
: a cover or partial cover for the face used for disguise
a Halloween mask
b
: masker
c
: a sculptured face made by a mold in plaster or wax
2
: something that disguises or conceals : cloak
3
a
: a covering used to protect the face
a baseball catcher's mask
b
: gas mask
c
: a device covering the nose and mouth to make it easier to inhale something
an oxygen mask
d
: a covering (as of gauze) over the nose and mouth to prevent infectious droplets from being exhaled into the air
4
: the head or face of a mammal (as a fox or dog)
5
Medical Definition
mask
1 of 2 noun1
: a protective covering for the face or part of the face
2
a
: a device usually covering the mouth and nose to facilitate delivery of a gas (such as a general anesthetic) see also oxygen mask
b
: a comparable device or covering (as of polypropylene fiber or cotton fabric) worn to prevent inhalation of dangerous substances or to prevent the inhalation or dispersal of exhaled infectious material (such as bacteria or viruses) see also face mask, gas mask, procedure mask, surgical mask
3
: a cosmetic preparation for the skin of the face that produces a tightening effect as it dries
mask
2 of 2 transitive verb1
: to prevent (an atom or group of atoms) from showing its ordinary reactions
to mask hydroxyl in a sugar by converting it into methoxyl
2
: to modify or reduce the effect or activity of (as a process or a reaction)
3
: to make indistinct or imperceptible
flavorings used in pharmacy to mask the taste of medications
4
: to raise the audibility threshold of (a sound) by the simultaneous presentation of another sound
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