What does mannequin mean?
A mannequin is a model of the human form used to display clothing, garments, or other items. In shops and fashion presentations, it provides a neutral, stationary form on which clothes can be fitted and shown to customers. The word can also have an older, figurative meaning for a person considered unimportant, ineffective, or merely representative without personality. That sense is now uncommon and may sound dismissive or insulting, especially in political commentary. In contemporary usage, however, mannequin usually refers to the familiar shop or exhibition figure, including full-sized dress forms and smaller tailor’s display models. The word is useful when discussing retail display, fashion photography, costume presentation, and the practice of sizing or arranging clothing. It is also the standard modern spelling, while manikin survives mainly as a variant and may preserve some older meanings.
A model of the human form used to display clothing or other items, especially in a shop or exhibition.
"The mannequins in the window wore brightly coloured winter coats."
The spelling mannequin is standard in modern English for this sense.
A person regarded as unimportant, ineffectual, or merely a representative of others.
"The pamphlet portrayed the minister as a political mannequin."
This meaning is dated, and its use is usually negative or dismissive.
The plural is formed by adding -s; both the display figure and the dated person-related sense are countable.
"Several mannequins stood along the shop's display window."
From Dutch for “little man,” the mannequin began as a small human figure before becoming the silent fashion display we know today.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does mannequin come from?
The word entered English from French mannequin. French had borrowed the term from Dutch mannekijn, meaning “little man,” a diminutive formed from man. Over time, the word developed in English to refer to a representation of a human figure, especially one used for displaying clothes.
How mannequin is actually used
The modern, neutral sense refers to a display figure. The sense meaning an insignificant or ineffectual person is dated and can be deliberately insulting or dismissive, though it also occurs in older literary and political language.
Easily confused with mannequin
Manikin is a variant spelling of mannequin; in modern use, mannequin usually refers to a figure for displaying clothes, while manikin can also retain older meanings involving a small or insignificant person.