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

• dummy
• figure
• form
• manikin
• mannikin

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 three men disappeared from their cells in June 1962 in an elaborate plot that included mannequin dolls with real human hair left behind in their beds, according to the FBI. —Melina Khan, USA Today, 5 May 2025

In Vietnam, dusty provincial museums and newer, sleeker ones inaugurated for the 50th anniversary echo the sentiment in reverse, displaying mannequins of wily peasant farmers taking on the U.S. war machine. — Made By History, Time, 30 Apr. 2025

When the mannequin’s arm came off in the scout’s hands – bones protruding – ol’ Elmer became a nationwide mystery. —Greg Evans, Deadline, 27 Apr. 2025

In the skills lab, students can be found in their signature purple scrubs, introducing themselves to the mannequins and asking them about their pain, said Brenda Solari, the Meridian site director, on a tour of the campus. —Rose Evans, Idaho Statesman, 8 Apr. 2025

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