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

• 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

Wes Anderson's latest curio, The Phoenician Scheme, held strong in its second week of release to score the No. 6 spot with a $6.2 million take. —Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 8 June 2025

Trapped: Mind-Altering Shorts Date & Venue TBA Tap into the collective unconscious of a rogue’s gallery of grifters, hermits, and sociopaths with our infamous showcase of gloriously confounding cinematic curios. —Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 12 May 2025

Everton’s first goal was the nadir for that curios theme of United’s display. —Laurie Whitwell, The Athletic, 23 Feb. 2025

The owners of a Florida curio shop have been arrested for selling human remains on Facebook Marketplace, according to the Orange City Police Department. —Megan Forrester, ABC News, 14 Apr. 2025

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