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

• bauble
• bibelot
• curiosity
• doodad
• gaud
• gewgaw
• geegaw
• gimcrack
• kickshaw
• knickknack
• nicknack
• novelty
• ornamental
• tchotchke
• trinket

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

But that hasn’t stopped some weird curios from sneaking through. —Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 15 Apr. 2025

Here’s why March 30, 2025 12:00 AM Entertainment Historic photos show Hallmark’s growth to giant of cards, curios and entertainment March 29, 2025 5:30 AM See all stories The Kansas City Star J.M. Banks is The Star’s culture and identity reporter. —J.m. Banks, Kansas City Star, 9 Apr. 2025

Set in an emporium that buys and sells outlandish collectibles and other items, Curiosity will see celebrity guests visiting to find trinkets, curios and gifts from owners Bisram and Wehn. —Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 12 Feb. 2025

Opening on Valentine’s Day, Jacqueline Sullivan’s new show is all about cups: as cherished wedding gifts, antiques sitting in your grandmother’s curio cabinet, detritus at the garage sale, and collectibles reinvented by contemporary artists. —Morgan Meier, Curbed, 12 Feb. 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