masquerade noun (PARTY) (also masquerade ball, masquerade party) a party or dance where people wear masks (= coverings over part or all of the face) or other disguises (= clothes that hide who you are or make you look like someone else): masquerade (plural masquerades) (also attributively) An assembly or party of people wearing (usually elaborate or fanciful) masks and costumes, and amusing themselves with dancing, conversation, or other diversions.