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 of mannequin

• doll
• dummy

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

The game starts with a 60-second contest to disrobe mannequins decked out in layered bras. — Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 30 June 2026

Hands-on workshops are full-day intensives centered on mannequin and live-model work, where attendees practice the technique themselves. — Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 30 June 2026

In one corner, a 1910 black mourning dress is displayed on a mannequin. — Regina Elling, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 June 2026

In an act of pure showmanship, Bolton has placed mannequins clothed in fleshlike skintight garments in a tall glass vitrine visible to museumgoers heading toward the medieval wing—a seductive preview that may help lure them away from Arms and Armor. — Rachel Syme, New Yorker, 29 June 2026

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