Definition

Noun: A formal dance party where attendees wear costumes and conceal their faces with masks, creating an atmosphere of anonymity and mystery.

Usage

A "masked ball" is a specific type of social event. The term is used to describe the event itself. - The charity fundraiser was an elegant masked ball. - Invitations to the duke's annual masked ball were highly sought after.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The plot of the opera revolves around a dramatic encounter at a masked ball.
  • Everyone spent weeks preparing their elaborate costumes for the masked ball.

Advanced Usage

• Historical/Cultural Context: The masked ball has a long history in European culture, often associated with Venetian Carnival, aristocracy, and literary works where disguise and mistaken identity are central themes.
• Figurative Use: The phrase can sometimes be used metaphorically to describe a situation where people's true identities or intentions are hidden.
  • The political summit was a diplomatic masked ball, with every delegate hiding their real agenda.

Variants and Related Words

• Masquerade ball: A direct synonym for "masked ball." The terms are often used interchangeably.
  • The masquerade ball was the highlight of the carnival season.
• Masquerade (noun): Can refer to the event itself (synonymous with masked ball) or more broadly to the act of wearing a disguise or pretense.
  • The party was a grand masquerade. (refers to the event)
  • His friendship was all a masquerade. (refers to a pretense)

Synonyms

• Masquerade ball
• Fancy-dress ball (though this emphasizes costume more than the mandatory use of a mask)
• Costume ball

Related Phrases & Idioms

• "To unmask someone at a masked ball": Literally, to reveal someone's identity at such an event. Figuratively, it means to expose someone's true nature or secrets in a situation designed for concealment.
  • The journalist's article effectively unmasked the corrupt official at the political masked ball.

Noun

1. a ball at which guests wear costumes and masks