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Figurine Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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figurine

[หˆfษชษกjสŠriหn ]

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?

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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?

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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.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'figurine'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

The word 'figurine' originated from the French word 'figurine', which is the diminutive of 'figure'. The use of figurines dates back to ancient civilizations, where small sculptures were often used for religious or decorative purposes. Over time, figurines have become popular collectible items and are often associated with art and creativity.

See also: disfigure, figuration, figurative, figures, figurines, prefigure, transfiguration.

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.