'antimasque' originates from Early Modern English (17th century), formed from the prefix 'anti-' meaning 'against' or 'opposite' and the noun 'masque' meaning a courtly dramatic entertainment.

'antimasque' was originally written as 'anti-masque' (hyphenated) in early printed texts; the element 'masque' itself comes into English via French 'masque' (from Italian 'maschera'), and the combined form eventually stabilized as the single word 'antimasque' in later usage.

Initially it designated a contrasting comic or disorderly piece performed in relation to a masque; this core contrastive meaning has been retained, though the term is now mainly used historically or in theatrical description rather than for contemporary popular entertainments.