curio

noun

cu·​rio ˈkyu̇r-ē-ˌō 

ˈkyər-

plural curios

: something (such as a decorative object) considered novel, rare, or bizarre : curiosity

also : an unusual or bizarre person

Synonyms of curio

• ornamental
• souvenir
• novelty
• knickknack

Examples of curio in a Sentence

She loves to browse the shops in small towns, looking for curios.

be careful of the fragile curios on the end tables

Recent Examples on the Web

The Commonwealths is a multi-sport competition held every four years between member states of the Commonwealth of Nations and their territories, and has become more of a sporting curio in recent iterations, ranking well below the Olympics. — Amelie Claydon, New York Times, 24 July 2026

Over the past few years, Sofie Birch has amassed a sparkling catalog of bucolic curios on outré labels. — Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 24 July 2026

Like many a limited series, The Offer faded in our collective memories, its bizarro ’70s pop history a curio of 2022. — Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 15 July 2026

The villas are filled with books, instruments, games, curios and thoughtful details that suggest actual living rather than generic hospitality design. — Arion McNicoll, TheWeek, 15 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

short for curiosity

First Known Use

1849, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

curio

noun

cu·​rio ˈkyu̇r-ē-ˌō 

plural curios

: an object or article valued because it is strange or rare