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

The most disturbing figure is a blond mannequin who seems to be hanging herself with a mirror instead of a noose. —Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 31 Mar. 2026

Behind every fourth chair, mannequins—with animal heads sprouting out of their necks—stood watch as the first course, sole, was served to guests inside high-heeled shoes. —Serena Turner, Vanity Fair, 30 Mar. 2026

Models strutting in retro pouffy wigs (the models literally look like ’60s mannequins), shirts with giant buttons, leather pants that look four sizes too huge. —Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 21 Mar. 2026

Developed by Laerdal Medical, the high-fidelity mannequin was designed to recreate real childbirth conditions with startling realism. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 21 Mar. 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