curio

[ kyoor-ee-oh ]

noun

, plural cu·ri·os.

1. any unusual article, object of art, etc., valued as a curiosity.

curio

/ ˈkjʊərɪˌəʊ /

noun

1. a small article valued as a collector's item, esp something fascinating or unusual

Word History and Origins

Origin of curio¹

First recorded in 1850–55; shortened from curiosity

Word History and Origins

Origin of curio¹

C19: shortened from curiosity

Example Sentences

In his review, the BBC's Nicholas Barber called it a "pretentious, portentous curio", akin to someone recalling a "crazy dream".

From BBC

It’s wonderful that she’s working and seems to be having fun, but the subgenre is such a strange curio that one has to take stock at a certain point.

From Los Angeles Times

A true cop-aganda curio from the vault is a 1970 doc called “The Police Film” hosted by Ben Gazarra, the actor’s stern baritone selling you on the necessity of social order while visuals show ants overtaking a threat to the colony.

From Los Angeles Times

As an album, “New Blue Sun” tends toward the curio — both endurance and Rorschach test.

From New York Times

Discovery is certainly the operative word when exploring The Shabby French Market, a Parisian-style arcade filled with antiques, heirloom jewelry and pretty much every curio one can imagine.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• trinket