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

Colleen keeps a curio cabinet full of mementos of a baby loved in her all too short life and beyond. —Edie Kasten, CBS News, 6 June 2026

From room to room walls are covered in blue block prints or hot-pink illustrations of pear trees, while floors are scattered with artisanal rugs and a collection of curios—a rooster statue, a floral dress form—is hidden all over. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026

Their efforts coincided with the advent of motoring vacations in the United States and iconic roadside services like diners, motor lodges, service stations and curio shops. —Joe Yogerst, CNN Money, 27 May 2026

Lots of other pre-war features to like, such as the archways and the inset curio-cabinet. —Katie McDonough, Curbed, 4 May 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