curio

noun

cu·rio ˈkyu̇r-ē-ˌō

ˈkyər-

plural curios

Synonyms of curio

: 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.

The song is a dynamic curio and begs the question of what could have been if Ifans hadn’t left the band. — David Harris, SPIN, 4 May 2026 Colleen keeps a curio cabinet full of mementos of a baby loved in her all too short life and beyond. — Edie Kasten, CBS News, 6 June 2026 Henry’s record-setting 20 assists are a unique curio. — Carl Anka, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2026 Lots of other pre-war features to like, such as the archways and the inset curio-cabinet. — Katie McDonough, Curbed, 4 May 2026 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

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Curio.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/curio. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

curio

noun

cu·rio ˈkyu̇r-ē-ˌō

plural curios

: an object or article valued because it is strange or rare

curio

noun

Synonyms of curio

Examples of curio in a Sentence

Word History

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Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

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