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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Plates and placemats, yellowed bed linens and napkins, glassware, curios, and sewing kits. Libby Buck july 1, Literary Hub, 1 July 2025 Today, next to the cast of Callie’s foot is an urn with her ashes and a glass curio cabinet filled with mementos including baby shoes. Laura Ungar, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2025 Wes Anderson's latest curio, The Phoenician Scheme, held strong in its second week of release to score the No. 6 spot with a $6.2 million take. Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 8 June 2025 Trapped: Mind-Altering Shorts Date & Venue TBA Tap into the collective unconscious of a rogue’s gallery of grifters, hermits, and sociopaths with our infamous showcase of gloriously confounding cinematic curios. Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 12 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for curio

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Curio.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/curio. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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