a figurine

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a figurine" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a small statue or model, often used for decoration or as a collectible item. Example: "She displayed a beautiful figurine on her mantelpiece, showcasing her love for art."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And a figurine code.

Princeton University

A figurine of Mario, the classic Nintendo character, sat on a bookshelf.

The New Yorker

She seemed distant and frosty, like a figurine in a glass case.

The New Yorker

Granderson also displayed a figurine of Robinson's sliding home against the Yankees in 1955.

The New York Times - Sports

The fourth wall was a sheet of glass, exposing Googoo like a figurine in a dollhouse.

The New York Times

However, the most important ingredients are a broad bean and a figurine (usually the child Christ).

Independent

(a) shows one view of a figurine partially obscured by a plant.

Stanford University

And in what's called the Hellenistic Treasury, there's a figurine of a dancer wearing a mask.

The New York Times - Arts

A figurine of Betty Boop hung beneath another, attached to its string.

The New York Times

Shouldn't the Boyms add a figurine of Cooper-Hewitt to the collection?

The New York Times - Arts

Another was a figurine of Lawrence of Arabia sitting astride a camel.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a figurine" when referring to a small, detailed representation of a person, animal, or object, especially as a decorative item. Ensure the context clarifies the specific type and material of the figurine if relevant.

Common error

Avoid using "figurine" and "figure" as exact synonyms. While related, "figurine" implies a smaller, often decorative item, whereas "figure" can refer to a broader range of representations or even abstract shapes. Be precise in your word choice to reflect the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a figurine" functions primarily as a noun phrase, serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a specific type of object – a small, often decorative statue or model, as demonstrated by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Wiki

16%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a figurine" is a common and correct noun phrase used to describe a small, decorative statue or model. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It appears most frequently in News & Media contexts and is considered to have a neutral register. When using the term, ensure the context clearly defines the figurine's type and purpose. Related phrases include "a statuette" and "a small statue". Avoiding interchangeable use with "figure" enhances writing precision. Ludwig's analysis of various sources helps contextualize the phrase's usage effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a statuette

Replaces "figurine" with a synonym that implies a slightly smaller, more delicate statue.

a small statue

Uses a broader term to describe the object, focusing on its nature as a sculpture.

a miniature sculpture

Emphasizes the small size and artistic nature of the object.

a collectible figure

Highlights the object's value as a collectible item.

a decorative model

Focuses on the object's purpose as an ornament.

a small effigy

Implies the figurine represents a person or thing, often in a symbolic way.

a keepsake statue

Highlights the object as a memento or souvenir.

a mantelpiece ornament

Specifies a common placement for the figurine.

a tiny replica

Emphasizes that the object is a reduced-size copy of something.

a scale model

Indicates the object is accurately proportioned to a larger original.

FAQs

How can I use "a figurine" in a sentence?

You can use "a figurine" to describe a small decorative statue, such as "She placed "a figurine" of a ballerina on her desk".

What's the difference between "a figurine" and "a statue"?

While both are three-dimensional representations, "a figurine" typically refers to a smaller, often more detailed and decorative object, while "a statue" can be larger and more monumental.

What can I say instead of "a figurine"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "a statuette", "a small statue", or "a miniature sculpture".

Is it always appropriate to use "a figurine" to describe a small model?

While generally suitable, consider the context. If the model is primarily functional rather than decorative, terms like "a scale model" or "a miniature replica" might be more accurate.