noun

miniature

MIH-niht-shuh

noun

A very small version or scale model of something.

"The museum displayed a miniature of the entire city."

"He collects miniatures of vintage cars."

A small, highly detailed painting, especially a portrait.

"The locket contained a miniature of her great-grandmother."

adj

Much smaller than the usual size.

"They keep a miniature poodle as a pet."

How to Use Miniature

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA small-scale version of something, or an adjective meaning tiny.

Common mistake

Despite looking related, "miniature" historically comes from a word for red pigment used in manuscript art, not from "minus" or "minimum."

Common pairings

miniature version in miniature miniature model

Word Forms

more miniature comparative, miniatured past tense, miniatures plural, miniatures singular, most miniature superlative

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The museum displayed a _____ of the entire city.

Etymology

From Italian miniatura, originally referring to the art of illuminating manuscripts with red pigment (from Latin minium, "red lead"). Despite the resemblance, it is not actually related to "minimum" or "minor."

Rhymes for miniature

pure cure sure lure Kure azure nature future manure secure impure injure

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