Figurine: meaning, definitions and examples

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figurine

[ˈfɪɡjʊriːn ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

collectible item

A small ornamental figure or statuette, especially one of a human form.

Synonyms

figure, miniature, statuette.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
figurine	Use 'figurine' when referring to a small, detailed model of a person or animal, often used as a decoration or collectible. She has a beautiful porcelain figurine of a ballerina on her shelf. The museum's gift shop sells ancient Egyptian figurines.
statuette	Use 'statuette' when referring to a small statue, usually made of materials like bronze, ceramic, or wood. It often implies a decorative or artistic purpose. The award winners received gold statuettes as a symbol of their achievement. She placed a charming statuette of a cat on the mantelpiece.
figure	Use 'figure' in a broader sense, which can mean a numerical value, a notable person, or a shape or form. It is less specific than 'figurine', 'miniature', or 'statuette'. The final sales figures for this quarter are impressive. She is a central figure in the community. The artist drew a human figure on the canvas.
miniature	Use 'miniature' when describing something that is a smaller version of something else. It often emphasizes the small scale as compared to the original. He builds miniature model trains as a hobby. The dollhouse had tiny, intricate miniatures of furniture and decorations.

Examples of usage

She has a collection of porcelain figurines on her shelf.
The figurine of the Buddha was beautifully crafted.
I bought a new figurine to add to my collection.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

decorative object

A small sculpture or molded figure used as a decoration.

Synonyms

decoration, knickknack, ornament.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
figurine	A small statue or model, often used for decorative purposes or collected as part of a set. She has a beautiful porcelain figurine of a ballerina on her shelf
ornament	A decorative item, especially one used to adorn a Christmas tree or a space for festive purposes. The children were excited to hang ornaments on the Christmas tree
decoration	An item used to beautify a space or object, commonly used during holidays or special occasions. They hung colorful decorations all over the house for the birthday party
knickknack	A small, often ornamental item usually considered more for decoration than function; can sometimes imply clutter. Her living room is full of various knickknacks she bought from different trips

Examples of usage

The figurines on the mantlepiece added a touch of elegance to the room.
She received a crystal figurine as a gift.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'figurine' comes from the French 'figurine,' which means a small figure or image.
It is derived from 'figure', which has roots in Latin 'figura', meaning shape or form.
The use of 'figurine' in English began in the early 19th century as art pieces became popular in collections.

Art History

Figurines have been crafted since ancient times, with examples found in civilizations like the Egyptians and Mesopotamians.
In the 18th century, porcelain figurines gained popularity in Europe, especially from Meissen and Sevres.
Modern-day artists often use figurines to explore themes of identity, culture, and history in their work.

Cultural Significance

In many cultures, figurines are used for religious purposes, representing deities or spiritual beings.
Some traditions focus on collecting figurines as a hobby, with certain pieces becoming highly valuable over time.
In Asian cultures, especially Chinese, figurines like the 'Fu Lion' are believed to bring good luck and protection.

Collecting

Figurines are popular among collectors, often categorized by theme, material, or artist.
Certain brands, such as Lladro and Hummel, are famous for their artistic figurines that are highly sought after.
The value of a figurine can dramatically increase based on its rarity, condition, and the artist's reputation.

Pop Culture

Figurines often appear in movies and TV shows; characters from popular franchises like Star Wars and Marvel are frequently turned into collectible models.
Some video games have introduced figurines as part of interactive experiences where players can use real-life models in the game.
The phenomenon of 'Funko Pop!' figurines has created a new wave of collectible figures, featuring beloved characters from various fandoms.

Translations

Translations of the word "figurine" in other languages:

🇵🇹 estatueta

🇮🇳 मूर्ति

🇩🇪 Figurine

🇮🇩 patung kecil

🇺🇦 статуетка

🇵🇱 figurka

🇯🇵 フィギュア

🇫🇷 figurine

🇪🇸 figura

🇹🇷 figür

🇰🇷 피규어

🇸🇦 تمثال صغير

🇨🇿 figurka

🇸🇰 figúrka

🇨🇳 小雕像

🇸🇮 figura

🇮🇸 styttu

🇰🇿 мүсінше

🇬🇪 ფიგურა

🇦🇿 fiqur

🇲🇽 figura

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,924, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

...
26921 underhand
26922 territoriality
26923 deigned
26924 figurine
26925 jockeys
26926 mouldy
26927 understate
...