mannequin

noun

man·​ne·​quin ˈma-ni-kən How to pronounce mannequin (audio)
1
: an artist's, tailor's, or dressmaker's lay figure
also : a form representing the human figure used especially for displaying clothes
2
: one employed to model clothing

Examples of mannequin in a Sentence

the mannequin over there looks so real mannequins striding down the catwalk in the designer's spring collection
Recent Examples on the Web Advertisement Nordstrom closes San Francisco store on grim note amid naked mannequins and empty display cases. Kevinisha Walker, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2023 In east Mesa, specifically its Superstition District, a mannequin sits in one of those cars to appear more realistic. Elena Santa Cruz, The Arizona Republic, 24 Aug. 2023 Each room is outfitted with simulated medical equipment and contains a cutting-edge mannequin resembling patients of different ages and ethnicities, including a baby mannequin for simulating pregnancy complications. Thomas Goodwin Smith, Baltimore Sun, 24 June 2023 An exception to his usual style is a picture of a woman in a bathtub who displays an arm and a leg, while a mannequin’s arm and leg on the floor imply that half the subject’s limbs have come loose. Mark Jenkins, Washington Post, 23 June 2023 The event also showcased the creators’ looks on headless mannequins of all body types. Anne D'innocenzio, Fortune, 7 Sep. 2023 At the Sears megastore 15 feet away, a steady trickle of afternoon shoppers streamed in and out, too busy with their bags and conversations to give the mannequin any attention. Edgar Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 15 Aug. 2023 At the back was a life-sized Soapy Smith mannequin that could nod and wave. David Reamer | Alaska History, Anchorage Daily News, 29 May 2023 Nordstrom closes a San Francisco store on a grim note amid naked mannequins and empty display cases. Elvia Limón, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'mannequin.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

French, from Dutch mannekijn little man — more at manikin

First Known Use

1730, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of mannequin was in 1730

Dictionary Entries Near mannequin

Cite this Entry

“Mannequin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mannequin. Accessed 30 Sep. 2023.

Kids Definition

mannequin

noun
man·​ne·​quin ˈman-i-kən How to pronounce mannequin (audio)
1
: an artist's, tailor's, or dressmaker's jointed figure of the human body
2
: a form representing the human figure used especially for displaying clothes
3
: a person employed to model clothing

More from Merriam-Webster on mannequin

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