waxworks

American  

[waks-wurks] / ˈwæksˌwɜrks /

noun

(usually used with a singular verb)

plural

waxworks

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

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Etymology

Origin of waxworks

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

Example Sentences

At Barnum’s American Museum in New York City, visitors could see America’s first aquarium, a menagerie of exotic animals, performances by magicians and ventriloquists, and waxworks.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 25, 2026

When you walk through a crowd of strangers it’s next door to impossible not to imagine that they’re all waxworks, but probably they’re thinking just the same about you.

From Salon • Sep. 1, 2025

His best waxworks photographs are pictures of sculptures of historical figures based on photos of people posing to look like paintings or photos of those figures.

From New York Times • Aug. 6, 2021

She became part of her family's travelling amusement business, living in caravans while managing attractions including a circus, funfair and waxworks.

From BBC • Mar. 14, 2021

They were like the most wonderful waxworks you ever saw.

From "The Magician's Nephew" by C. S. Lewis