waxwork

American  

[waks-wurk] / ˈwæksˌwɜrk /

noun

1. a figure, ornament, or other object made of wax, or especially the life-size effigy of a person.

2. the bittersweet, Celastrus scandens.

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waxwork British  

/ ˈwæksˌwɜːk /

noun

1. an object reproduced in wax, esp as an ornament

2. a life-size lifelike figure, esp of a famous person, reproduced in wax

3. (plural; functioning as singular or plural) a museum or exhibition of wax figures or objects

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Other Word Forms

• waxworker noun

Etymology

Origin of waxwork

First recorded in 1690–1700; wax ¹ + work

Example Sentences

The designer of a second smaller sculpture has also been announced as Karen Newman, who once made waxwork models at Madame Tussauds, including Prince Philip.

From BBC

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

The infamous “waxworks” scene captures silent-era figures like Buster Keaton playing cards, their faces pure funereal alabaster.

From Los Angeles Times

A waxwork figure of French President Emmanuel Macron has been stolen from a museum in Paris by environmental activists who disguised themselves as employees.

From BBC

A sculpture of a Greggs sausage roll is to be unveiled at Madame Tussauds waxworks museum.

From BBC