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

• bauble
• bibelot
• curiosity
• doodad
• gaud
• gewgaw
• geegaw
• gimcrack
• kickshaw
• knickknack
• nicknack
• novelty
• ornamental
• tchotchke
• trinket

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

There is no unifying size, context, or era among the curio. —Grace Edquist, Vogue, 19 July 2024

Emma Stone is back with another squirm-inducing curio. —Patrick Ryan, USA TODAY, 29 June 2024

In most of Europe, the anniversary of the start of World War II was little more than a historical curio. —Jonathan Gorvett, Foreign Affairs, 10 June 2024

At the same time, and for all its zealous energy, the Who’s heady rock opera can’t help feeling like a curio: The album is from 1969, Pete Townshend and director Des McAnuff’s stage musical first hit Broadway in 1993, and this revival marks the latter’s 30th birthday. —Vulture Editors, Vulture, 8 Apr. 2024

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