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Maquette came to English directly from French, first appearing in our language in the late 19th century. The French word, which possesses the same meaning as its English descendant, derived from the Italian noun macchietta, meaning "sketch," and ultimately from Latin macula, meaning "spot." Maquettes are generally intended to serve as rough models of larger designs. Architects make maquettes of their buildings, and sculptors often create maquettes in wax or clay to help them realize the final sculpture. As an aside, you might spot something familiar in the word's Latin ancestor. The term "macula" in English refers to a spot (such as one on the eye) that is different from surrounding tissue; this is where we get the term "macular degeneration."
Examples of maquette in a Sentence
Magda Liszewska, Oc Register, 30 Mar. 2026
This collaboration between the Dallas Museum of Art and the Nasher Sculpture Center features a number of prints, drawings, maquettes and sculptures by Roy Lichtenstein.
—Alyson Rodriguez, Dallas Morning News, 5 Feb. 2026
Included are a selection of prints, drawings, maquettes, and sculptures that can be seen in a pair of exhibitions now open at the Dallas Museum of Art and Nasher Sculpture Center.
—Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 31 Jan. 2026
In one corner is an animator’s drawing desk with a schedule, maquettes of the Lilo and Stitch characters, lamp and stool.
—Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 Jan. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Maquette.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/maquette. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
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