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

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

From BBC

Don’t expect luxurious trappings here; this isn’t the usual screen waxworks with meticulous details but few ideas.

From New York Times