Mannikin - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

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SKIP TO CONTENT mannikin /ˈmænəkən/ IPA guide

Other forms: mannikins

A mannikin is a human-sized figure that's used to fit or display clothing. In the summer, the mannikins in department store windows might all be wearing bathing suits. Ooh la la.

Mannikin can also be spelled manikin or mannequin — and no matter how you spell it, it almost always means "display dummy," or a lifelike, full-sized plastic model for clothes. Sometimes mannikins are used for artists to sketch, and rarely the word is also used to mean "very small person." This last meaning makes sense when you know the Dutch root word, manneken, or "little man."

Definitions of mannikin

noun a life-size dummy used to display clothes synonyms: form, manakin, manikin, mannequin see moresee less type of: dummy a figure representing the human form
noun a person who is very small but who is not otherwise deformed or abnormal synonyms: homunculus, manikin see moresee less type of: small person a person of below average size
noun a woman who wears clothes to display fashions synonyms: fashion model, manakin, manikin, mannequin, model see moresee less types: supermodel a fashion model who has attained the status of a celebrity type of: assistant, help, helper, supporter a person who contributes to the fulfillment of a need or furtherance of an effort or purpose

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Copy citation DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘mannikin'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback Word Family 2 million people are mastering new words. Master a word

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