Figurine - English Definition & Meaning

Definition

A figurine is a small, often detailed, statue or model of a person, animal, or object 🗿. Figurines are usually made of materials like porcelain, ceramic, glass, or plastic. They are often collected for their aesthetic value or as representations of cultural or historical figures. A figurine is like a miniature sculpture, capturing details in a small format. They can be decorative or used in dioramas and model displays. Figurines contrast with larger sculptures and are more intimate in scale and detail.

Etymology

The word "figurine" comes from the French word "figurine," which is a diminutive of "figure." The term "figure" can be traced back to the Latin word "figura," meaning form or shape. Figurines have been around since ancient times, with examples found in archaeological sites around the world. The word reflects the object's form and its status as a smaller version of a larger form.

Related Words

Examples

• She collected porcelain figurines of ballerinas.
• The museum displayed ancient terracotta figurines.
• He carefully placed the figurine on the shelf.
• The figurine was a gift from her grandmother.

Encouragement

Figurines show that art can exist on a small scale and still be impactful. Look closely at the details around you – beauty can be found in the smallest things. Maybe you could start your own collection! 🤩

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