curio
/ˈkjʊərɪəʊ
/noun (plural curios)
A rare, unusual, or intriguing object: they had such fun over the wonderful box of curios that Jack had sent from India...
- The units make trays of different shapes, fruit baskets, stands, lamp shades, curios, mats, pen stands, wall hangings, screens, hair clips and even pappad sticks.
- To choose the aesthetic-looking vases and decorative curios like lamps, cushions, candles, table linen and curtains, Sita travels to remotest corners of the world.
- One boy has a tray displaying battered curios salvaged from the area - American name tags, medals, twisted knives and forks.
Synonyms
trinket, knick-knack, bibelot, ornament, bauble, gimcrack, gewgaw;
antique, collector's item, object of virtu, rarity, curiosity;
French objet, objet d'art;
North American kickshaw
informal whatnot, dingle-dangle
British informal doodah, doobry
North American informal tchotchke, tsatske
archaic folderol, furbelow, whim-wham, bijou, gaud, bygone
Origin
Mid 19th century: abbreviation of curiosity.