figurine

noun

fig·​u·​rine ˌfi-g(y)ə-ˈrēn 

: a small carved or molded figure : statuette

Synonyms

• figure
• statuette

Examples of figurine in a Sentence

his collection of figurines includes toy soldiers from every war that America has fought

Recent Examples on the Web

The most expensive sculpture in the set is a rare dormouse figurine estimated to sell for upwards of $150,000. —Julia Binswanger, Smithsonian Magazine, 29 May 2024

Precious Moments porcelain figurines officially became available for purchase in 1978, three years after the artwork first appeared on greeting cards and inspirational posters. —Amaris Encinas, USA TODAY, 22 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French, going back to Middle French, borrowed from Italian figurina, from figura "shape, figure entry 1" (going back to Latin figūra) + -ina, feminine of -ino, diminutive suffix (going back to Latin -īnus, suffix of appurtenance)

First Known Use

1854, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

figurine

noun

fig·​u·​rine ˌfig-(y)ə-ˈrēn 

: a small carved or molded figure