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

Black Emperor—and Freedom, the record that crystallized McMahon’s songwriting and elevated Amen Dunes beyond its origins as a reliquary of underground curios. —Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 10 Dec. 2024

Along one wall, a deep-brown curio cabinet full of tchotchkes and crystal is the resting place for Wells’ trove of speculative fiction awards. —Meghan Herbst, WIRED, 26 Nov. 2024

Yesterday’s Treasures sells an array of curios and ephemera, including local art, vintage postcards and old Provincetown publications. —Brett Sokol, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2024

Usually, a movie shot like this is either a curio or a catastrophe, too practiced and deliberate to ever be spontaneous or convincing. —Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 27 Sep. 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