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

Next to a limp rack of sleeveless tops stands a postapocalyptic forager-warrior mannequin in jeans, a faded plaid shirt, and a black baseball cap from the plus-size-women’s brand Torrid. —Caity Weaver, The Atlantic, 12 June 2026

Accuracy in the mannequins’ proportions was essential, Wu said, noting how dramatically body sizes shifted across eras. —Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 10 June 2026

Petite Studio not only develops patterns expressly for petites, using specific mannequins, but also fits and photographs petite models with different body types. —Yerin Kim, InStyle, 3 June 2026

Other items include a live fish, a cape with the Statue of Liberty on it, a mannequin, handcuffs, and a dishwasher. —Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 2 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