curio

noun cu·rio \ ˈkyu̇r-ē-ˌō , ˈkyər- \

Definition of curio

plural curios

:something (such as a decorative object) considered novel, rare, or bizarre :curiosity; also :an unusual or bizarre person

See curio defined for English-language learners

See curio defined for kids

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 of curio from the Web

Tucked on a quiet cobblestone street, the palace features six bedrooms, two kitchens, a library, and two sitting rooms, all decorated with a mix of contemporary furniture, European antiques, and Spanish curios.

— christina pérez, Vogue, "4 Fairy-Tale-Worthy Castles You Can Actually Rent," 24 Aug. 2017
Curio: 301 Royal St., New Orleans (open in September) *** Got a tip?

— todd a. price, NOLA.com, "Curio, an eclectic bistro, joins to Royal Street antique shops," 26 July 2017
The sale usually features homeowners and others who hawk antiques, clothing, curios and numerous other bargains along the route.

— william thornton, AL.com, "World's Longest Yard Sale begins in Gadsden Aug. 3-6," 26 July 2017
On the main floor, most rooms feature a few curio cabinets.

— jacob gedetsis, kansascity, "This couple’s KC-themed collection is so huge they bought a second house to hold it," 14 July 2017
Back at his eighth-floor corner office at the Brookings Institution, Wittes steers me to his political curios, like a bizarre photomontage sent to him after a visit to Guantánamo Bay.

— simon van zuylen-wood, Daily Intelligencer, "The Man Who Made Liberals Newly Enamored of the Deep State," 11 July 2017
But with Curio there could be a significant savings on those commissions that could help pay for the fees to be part of the Hilton system.

— lori weisberg, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Hotel del Coronado is going to become a Hilton," 5 July 2017
Curio is a newer brand that Hilton debuted three years ago and currently includes 39 four- and five-star hotels, three of them in California, with several more in the pipeline.

— lori weisberg, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Hotel del Coronado is going to become a Hilton," 5 July 2017
What: This neighborhood, which sits in the middle of Orange County, has sustained a vibrant conglomeration of quaint cafes and restaurants, bars, coffeehouses, and specialty and curio stores since the late 19th century.

— sara lessley, latimes.com, "Hang loose in the circle (or maybe it's the square) of Old Towne Orange," 9 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'curio.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of curio

short for curiosity

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1849

See Words from the same year

curio Synonyms

Synonyms

bauble, bibelot, knickknack, curiosity, doodad, gaud, gewgaw (also geegaw), gimcrack, kickshaw, novelty, ornamental, tchotchke, trinket

Related Words

bijouterie, bric-a-brac, gimcrackery, trinketry, trumpery, virtu (or vertu); bagatelle, trifle; figurine, objet d'art (also objet), ornament; keepsake, memento, souvenir; conversation piece; collectible (or collectable), collector's item

CURIO Defined for English Language Learners

curio

noun

Definition of curio for English Language Learners

: a small and unusual object that is considered interesting or attractive

CURIO Defined for Kids

curio

noun cu·rio \ ˈkyu̇r-ē-ˌō \

Definition of curio for Students

plural curios

:a rare or unusual article :curiosity

Learn More about curio

See words that rhyme with curio Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for curio Spanish Central: Translation of curio Nglish: Translation of curio for Spanish speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up curio? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

curio

Definition of curio

Examples of curio in a Sentence

Recent Examples of curio from the Web

Origin and Etymology of curio

curio Synonyms

Synonyms

Related Words

CURIO Defined for English Language Learners

curio

Definition of curio for English Language Learners

CURIO Defined for Kids

curio

Definition of curio for Students

Learn More about curio

Seen and Heard

WORD OF THE DAY

pelf

BROWSE DICTIONARY

Test Your Vocabulary

Words at Play

8 Words That Put One Over on You

'Dis': From Early Rap to Academic Journals

Learned Fools: On Names for Students

The Synonyms 'Discover' and 'Invent'

Ask the Editors

Words of the Year: 1066

How Often Is 'Biweekly'?

Irregardless

Weird Plurals

Word Games

The Exceptions Quiz III

Forms of Government Quiz

True or False?

Word Winder's CrossWinder

8 Words for Trickery and Deception

'Dis': From Early Rap to Academic Journals

Trending: NY Times: Trump's Call Ignites 'Imbroglio'

The Exceptions Quiz III

Words of the Year: 1066

curio

Definition of curio

Read the Latest from M-W

Examples of curio in a Sentence

Recent Examples of curio from the Web

Origin and Etymology of curio

curio Synonyms

Synonyms

Related Words

CURIO Defined for English Language Learners

curio

Definition of curio for English Language Learners

CURIO Defined for Kids

curio

Definition of curio for Students

Learn More about curio

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

8 Words for Trickery and Deception

'Dis': From Early Rap to Academic Journals

Trending: NY Times: Trump's Call Ignites 'Imbroglio'

The Exceptions Quiz III

Words of the Year: 1066