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Maquette came to English directly from French, first appearing in our language in the late 19th century. The French word, which possesses the same meaning as its English descendant, derived from the Italian noun macchietta, meaning "sketch," and ultimately from Latin macula, meaning "spot." Maquettes are generally intended to serve as rough models of larger designs. Architects make maquettes of their buildings, and sculptors often create maquettes in wax or clay to help them realize the final sculpture. As an aside, you might spot something familiar in the word's Latin ancestor. The term "macula" in English refers to a spot (such as one on the eye) that is different from surrounding tissue; this is where we get the term "macular degeneration."
Examples of maquette in a Sentence
Shantay Robinson, ARTnews.com, 28 Feb. 2025
Also included is a maquette of an unbuilt sculpture by William Carmona honoring Celia, as well as an array of posters celebrating her concerts, collaborations, and a documentary film about her life.
—Miguel Sirgado, Miami Herald, 4 Feb. 2025
Yet another holds maquettes, miniature versions of some of Hyde’s signature pieces, and a collection of paintings and painting supplies.
—Debra Utacia Krol, USA TODAY, 29 Nov. 2024
His original maquette — which was on view at the High Line along with the other 12 finalists in 2021 — looked rather like a stiff toy pigeon.
—Carl Swanson, Curbed, 31 July 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Maquette.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/maquette. Accessed 7 Apr. 2025.
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