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.

---

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

The waxworks of Edith and Freddy were the top attraction at Madame Tussauds, the fascination with the case seemingly inexhaustible.

From BBC • Jan. 9, 2023

There amid the waxworks, Herman plays the court jester, as a few intimates unkindly note.

From New York Times • Jan. 1, 2021

They were like the most wonderful waxworks you ever saw.

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