curio

noun

cu·​rio ˈkyu̇r-ē-ˌō How to pronounce curio (audio)
ˈkyər-
plural curios
: something (such as a decorative object) considered novel, rare, or bizarre : curiosity
also : an unusual or bizarre person

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 This includes using pebbled leather wallpaper, Bolivian lacquered hardwood for the bars, crush-velvet furnishings, gold and Italian marble flooring, and bookshelves lined with trinkets, curios, and coveted Assouline books. Tiffany Leigh, Travel + Leisure, 15 Oct. 2024 The result is a seasonal roundup of few marquee releases, but plenty of obsession-worthy curios: comebacks from the Cure, Bon Iver, Laura Marling, Stephen Malkmus, Japandroids, Kim Deal, and Iceage’s Elias Rønnenfelt; rapid-fire reloads from the Smile, Charli XCX, and Mount Eerie. Pitchfork, 2 Oct. 2024 It’s filled with a range of curios and fine art pieces, including special collections of American, Asian, and Oceanic art. Todd Plummer, Vogue, 13 Sep. 2024 As a result, the film has an unconventional aesthetic — a bit like a tapestry of artistic curios that is stitched together. Tiffany Leigh, Forbes, 10 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for curio 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'curio.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

short for curiosity

First Known Use

1849, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of curio was in 1849

Dictionary Entries Near curio

Cite this Entry

“Curio.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/curio. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

curio

noun
cu·​rio ˈkyu̇r-ē-ˌō How to pronounce curio (audio)
plural curios
: an object or article valued because it is strange or rare

More from Merriam-Webster on curio

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