What does manikin mean?
Manikin is a noun most commonly used for an anatomical model of the human body. Such models may be articulated and equipped with simulated physiological responses, allowing students and medical teams to practise procedures without risking injury to a person. The word can also denote a dummy used to display clothing, although mannequin is more usual in that sense. Historically, manikin referred to a small or undersized person and, figuratively, to someone considered insignificant. These older meanings survive mainly in literature, where the term may sound diminutive, archaic, or insulting rather than neutral. The word is spelled mannikin as an established variant in some dictionaries. Overall, manikin is useful in medical, anatomical, and historical contexts, where it distinguishes an instructional or representational model from an ordinary human figure and from the more familiar retail mannequin.
nounA small representation of a human figure, especially a model used to teach anatomy or rehearse medical procedures. In older and literary usage, it can also mean a physically small person or a person considered insignificant.
- An anatomical model of the human body used for teaching anatomy or rehearsing medical procedures.
- A display dummy representing a human figure, especially one used to show clothing.
- A small or undersized person; formerly, a dwarf.
- A person regarded as insignificant or unimportant.
"The articulated manikin allowed the surgical team to rehearse the procedure before operating on a patient."
"Each articulated manikin in the simulation lab was programmed to display a different set of vital signs."
"In the older novel, the frightened manikin is repeatedly dismissed by characters who consider him insignificant."
The standard plural is manikins; mannikins is also possible when using the less common variant spelling mannikin.
"The simulation centre keeps several articulated manikins for emergency training."
Born from Dutch for “little man,” manikin went from describing a diminutive person to standing in for the whole human body.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does manikin come from?
The word entered English in the early 17th century from Dutch mannekijn, a diminutive of man meaning “little man.” Its older sense for a small or insignificant person was later extended to models representing the human figure, particularly anatomical teaching models. Mannequin was borrowed through French from the same Dutch source, while mannikin is an established variant spelling.
How manikin is actually used
Manikin is less common than mannequin for a clothing-store display but remains familiar in medical and anatomical contexts. The senses referring to a physically small or insignificant person are chiefly literary, historical, or potentially insulting.
Easily confused with manikin
Manikin is especially associated with anatomical teaching models, whereas mannequin is the usual term for a display form used to present clothing.