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

The business, which also includes a restaurant and a gift shop filled with Native American jewelry and other curios, largely depends on visitors to the national park. —Ryan Heinsius, NPR, 22 Sep. 2025

In addition to books for sale, there will be jewelry, curios, knick-knacks, puzzles and more available. —Andrea Manes, Oc Register, 11 Sep. 2025

Robotaxi tests began there in 2023, and the company started offering demo rides to curios spectators at Resorts World in late July. —Salvador Rodriguez,annie Palmer, CNBC, 10 Sep. 2025

Go treasure hunting at the Antique Center of La Crosse, a three-story trove of vintage finds and quirky curios. —Karthika Gupta, Travel + Leisure, 15 Aug. 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