What does statuette mean?
A statuette is a small sculpture, typically representing a person, animal, or object. The word is particularly common in the language of art and antiques, as in a porcelain, bronze, or ivory statuette, and it often suggests an object made with some delicacy or decorative value. Although a statuette may depict a human figure in a manner similar to a statue, its smaller scale is central to the distinction. The word is also used for small sculptural awards and ornaments. In general use, it is more specific than the broader term figurine because a statuette is normally understood as a sculpture rather than merely a small model or toy.
nounA small sculpture representing a person, animal, or object, especially one made as a work of art or ornament.
- A small sculpture representing a person, animal, or object, especially one made as a work of art or ornament.
"She displayed a delicate statuette of a bird on the mantelpiece."
"A small bronze statuette stood at the centre of the table."
"The museum acquired an elegant porcelain statuette for its collection."
The regular plural is “statuettes.”
"Two small statuettes stood on the windowsill."
The word statuette is French diminutive in origin: literally, it means “little statue.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does statuette come from?
The English word dates from the early 19th century and comes from French statuette, a diminutive of statue meaning “little statue.” Statue itself was borrowed from French and ultimately derives from Latin statua, “a standing figure,” related to stare, “to stand.” The same Latin root also lies behind words such as statuary and stature.
Related word forms
How statuette is actually used
The term is neutral in register and is especially common in descriptions of sculpture, decorative art, awards, and collectibles.
Easily confused with statuette
A statue is generally a full-size or life-size sculpture, whereas a statuette is a small one.
A figurine is a small model of a person or animal and may be decorative, while a statuette is more specifically a small sculpture or work of art.