waxworks

[ waks-wurks ]

noun

, (usually used with a singular verb)

, plural wax·works.

1. an exhibition of or a museum for displaying wax figures, ornaments, etc.

Word History and Origins

Origin of waxworks¹

First recorded in 1690–1700; wax ¹ + work ( def ) + -s ³( def )

Example Sentences

These waxworks used to be publicly exhibited, after which the cap was passed around for contributions.

From Project Gutenberg

Can't cry creaky waxworks any more than you can stinking fish.

From Project Gutenberg

Yer never see rich waxworks as 'is butler and 'is four conscientious khaki footmen.

From Project Gutenberg

In another day most of them would have been candidates for a waxworks or the formaldehyde of a specimen bottle.

From Project Gutenberg

The effigy is of painted wood and is amazingly lifelike, though smacking decidedly of the figures in a waxworks exhibition.

From Project Gutenberg