mannequin
UK: ˈmæn.ɪ.kɪn | US: ˈmæn.ə.kɪn
n. a life-sized doll used to display clothing or for artistic purposes
n. (dated) a person employed to model clothing
n. (figurative) someone who lacks individuality or acts mechanically
The word mannequin originates from the Dutch manneken, meaning "little man" (mann = "man" + -ken = diminutive suffix). It entered French as mannequin, retaining the sense of a small human figure, and later evolved to refer specifically to fashion display dummies. The term reflects the word’s journey from a playful descriptor ("little man") to a functional object in the fashion industry.
The store arranged the mannequins in the window to showcase the new collection.
In the 18th century, mannequins were live models who wore garments for buyers.
The artist used a mannequin to study human proportions for her sculpture.
Critics accused the politician of being a mere mannequin for his party’s agenda.
She adjusted the mannequin’s pose to make the dress look more dynamic.