WordGarden.iowaxwork
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /wˈækswɜːk/
US
- /wˈækswɜːk/
Meanings
Noun
a lifelike figure or model made of wax, especially one displayed in a museum
Beyond the definition
A waxwork is a very lifelike figure made of wax, often showing a famous person or someone from history. Think of the detailed figures in places like Madame Tussauds, where stars, leaders, and other well-known people are shown in a way that looks almost real. The point is to make the person look as true to life as possible.
The word "waxworks" is also often used for the museum or show where these figures are displayed. In the past, wax figures were sometimes part of traveling shows, but now they are usually found in permanent tourist attractions. You might say, "That wax figure looked so real," or "We spent the afternoon at the waxworks."
The word "waxwork" refers to a sculpture or model made from wax, typically molded and painted to resemble a human being or animal with incredible accuracy. Historically, wax figures were used for various purposes—from religious icons to anatomical studies—but they gained particular popularity in the 18th and 19th centuries as forms of entertainment and spectacle.
Early waxworks often featured gruesome depictions of historical events or notorious criminals, drawing crowds eager for a macabre experience. Over time, these displays evolved into more polished presentations focusing on famous figures from history, literature, and popular culture. Today, the most well-known waxworks are found in dedicated museums, where visitors can pose with incredibly realistic recreations of celebrities, politicians, and historical icons.
The artistry involved in creating a waxwork is considerable. Skilled artists meticulously sculpt the figure's features, match skin tones, and even replicate details like hair texture and clothing. The goal isn't just to create a likeness but to capture the essence of the person being portrayed.
While "waxwork" most commonly refers to the figures themselves or the museums that house them, it can also be used metaphorically to describe someone who is stiff, artificial, or lacking in genuine emotion—as if they were made of wax. Saying "he moved like a waxwork" suggests the person was rigid and unnatural. Whether you're marveling at the artistry of a museum display or describing someone's robotic behavior, "waxwork" evokes images of lifelike creations crafted from a surprisingly versatile material.
Examples
- 1
Museum visit
We took a photo next to a waxwork of a famous singer at the museum.
- 2
Lifelike models
Some of the waxworks were so lifelike that they made the children nervous.
- 3
Figurative use
After sitting still for two hours during makeup, he felt less like an actor and more like a waxwork.
See also
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- waxworknoun
Forms
- waxworkspluralnoun