mannequin

noun

man·​ne·​quin ˈma-ni-kən 

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

Synonyms

• dummy
• figure
• form
• manikin
• mannikin

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

Working with the Department of Defense, along with NASA's flight control teams, the Artemis 2 crew members rehearse a launch pad abort scenario, using mannequins. —Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Space.com, 19 June 2025

Each has its own theme, but all of the mannequins are arranged at floor level, with visitors invited to move between and among them, providing a unique opportunity to see looks from all angles and just inches away. —Kelly Wetherille, Footwear News, 13 June 2025

The resulting shoot of the photographs come to life resembled a very elaborate, very expensive mannequin challenge, though Brooker prefers to liken it to a stage play. —Seija Rankin, HollywoodReporter, 4 June 2025

Training in Kuala Lumpur gave a much better glimpse into Amorim’s methods, the main drill being a full outfield 10 passing around mannequins to score past either Andre Onana or Heaton, who is expected to sign a new one-year contract. —Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 31 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

French, from Dutch mannekijn little man — more at manikin

First Known Use

1730, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for mannequin

• manikin

Kids Definition

mannequin

noun

man·​ne·​quin ˈman-i-kən 

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