noun
Pinocchio
pih-NOH-kyoh
Pinocchio (noun) means a person who lies frequently, referencing the storybook character whose nose grew when he lied. Example: “His growing excuses made him sound like a real Pinocchio.”
noun
1
A person who lies frequently, referencing the storybook character whose nose grew when he lied.
"His growing excuses made him sound like a real Pinocchio."
How to use Pinocchio
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA nickname for a habitual liar, borrowed from the fairy-tale puppet with the growing nose.
When to use it
Used informally and often humorously, rather than as a serious accusation.
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Word forms
- Plural
- Pinocchios
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
His growing excuses made him sound like a real _____.
Etymology
From the title character of Carlo Collodi's 1883 story The Adventures of Pinocchio, a wooden puppet whose nose grew whenever he told a lie.
Class of 1883
Pinocchio joined the language around 1883.
See the full Class of 1883 →
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for Pinocchio
See all rhymes for Pinocchio →Frequently asked questions
What does “Pinocchio” mean?
The word “Pinocchio” means a person who lies frequently, referencing the storybook character whose nose grew when he lied. In plain terms, a nickname for a habitual liar, borrowed from the fairy-tale puppet with the growing nose.
How do you pronounce “Pinocchio”?
“Pinocchio” is pronounced pih-NOH-kyoh (/pɪˈnoʊ.ki.oʊ/ in IPA).
How do you use “Pinocchio” in a sentence?
Here is “Pinocchio” used in a sentence: “His growing excuses made him sound like a real Pinocchio.”
What part of speech is “Pinocchio”?
“Pinocchio” is a noun.
Where does the word “Pinocchio” come from?
The word “Pinocchio” dates back to around 1883. From the title character of Carlo Collodi's 1883 story The Adventures of Pinocchio, a wooden puppet whose nose grew whenever he told a lie.
