Skip to Content

Manikin Vs Mannequin, Which Is The Correct Spelling To Use?

Manikin Vs Mannequin, Which Is The Correct Spelling To Use?

Similar words can be the object of confusion for a person who may not be researching and investigating often. The tools we have allow us to understand the meanings and differences between terms such as “Manikin” and “Mannequin.”

Both can be correct depending on the context. For example, if it’s used for scientific or medical purposes or even an artistic tool, you should use “manikin.” If it’s to refer to a clothing figure for fashion purposes, you should use “mannequin” instead. 

If you ever see a person confused about how these terms should be spelled, or if someone asks you about the difference between manikin and mannequin, the first question you should ask is: “which kind of manikin are you referring to, and I will let you know,” especially since they don’t have the same spelling.

Remember, it will always depend on the context and the use of each term. We will now see definitions and examples for “Manikin” and “Mannequin.”

drawing manequins in different poses

Definition Of The Word “Manikin”

A manikin is a human body model used to teach anatomy, demonstrate surgical operations, and practice first aid activities such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

Some people use this term to refer to a short-sized man or a dwarf due to its origin from the Dutch word “mannekjin,” which means “little man.”

Etymology Of “Manikin”

The term “Manikin” comes from the Dutch word “mannekjin,” which means little man. This word was used for the first time in 1536.

What Is A High Fidelity Manikin?

As its name specifies, high-fidelity manikins are so complex, sophisticated, and advanced that they’re called “human patient simulators” explicitly used to mimic human beings’ exact anatomy and physiology.

These high-fidelity manikins are equipped with hydraulics, compressors, and monitors that help simulate breathing, heart rates and tones, blood pressure, palpable pulses, and other more complicated tasks to best similuate the human form, demonstrating surgical operations, and teaching anatomy.

What Is A Low-Fidelity Manikin?

Low fidelity manikins are designated for more basic or less complicated situations such as catheter placement, wound care, and other primary tasks such as CPR.

Use Of Manikins

The role of manikins in scientific or medical situations is getting more necessary due to their similarities with human bodies and how they can be presented in different scenarios. However, there are other types of manikins. We will share a few of the most used:

  • Medical practices or exercises: These manikins are a lifelike patient simulator used to represent real-world patient health scenarios, allowing learners to expand their knowledge by experiencing these cases for training or educational matters.

It is often used for first aid courses as well.

  • Scientific scenarios.
  • Military use.
  • Crash Tests

How To Use The Word “Manikin” In A Sentence?

  1. Justin told me he learned to do Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation with a manikin.
  2. Even though he studies medicine, he is terrified of manikins.
  3. I would like to learn to perform surgery on that manikin instead of yours.
  4. I didn’t know high-fidelity manikins could simulate breathing and heartbeats.
  5. I can believe Mark broke the high-fidelity manikin. It is so expensive!
  6. The instructor told Monica she would be the last to practice with the manikin.
  7. We won’t have any practice today because John didn’t bring the manikin.
  8. When I was a little boy, I was so small everybody used to call me the manikin.
  9. Remember, if you want to become a good surgeon, you should practice with these manikins a lot.
  10. The Doctor sent me to Boston to buy this manikin.
  11. We will have the opportunity to practice our skills on these manikins before the whole classroom.
  12. Why did you put the manikin in that room?

How Do You Spell Mannequin?

Here is how to spell Mannequin:

M-A-N-N-E-Q-U-I-N

Definition Of  The Word “Mannequin”

Mannequins are articulated dolls used by artists, tailors, dressmakers, window dressers, etc.

Etymology Of The Word “Mannequin”

“Mannequin” derives from the French word “mannequin,” which means “artificial man,” this term came from the Flemish word “Manneken,” which means “little man, or figurine.”

Use Of Mannequins

The use of mannequins began in the 15th century used as little figures, but full-scale mannequin usage started in the mid 18th century.

Mannequins Are Used In

  • Windows display: These kinds of Mannequins are used to display clothes and merchandise in a store, allowing customers to see the items without the need to enter the store.
  • Fashion Industry Shows
  • Sewing stores used by tailors or dressmakers
  • Sex Dolls.

Types Of Mannequins

There are different types of mannequins primarily used in stores, and it will always depend on the purpose of the display. These are the most common mannequins:

  • Realistic mannequins: Made to look like women or men, these are made of fiberglass to replicate human skin.
  • Abstract mannequins: These can be distinguished due to their detailed finish, such as facial features, muscles, elbows, fingernails, etc.
  • Headless mannequins: These are great for showing all kinds of clothes since they won’t have any expressions.
  • Child mannequins: These are made to display children’s clothes due to their size.
  • Sexy fashion mannequins: Often used to display lingerie and bikinis.

There are plenty of mannequins, most of them used to display clothes, shoes, accessories, etc.

Can A Person Be A Mannequin?

There’s a term used for this called “Fitting models.” They’re the people who try clothes for fashion designers. They’re professionals who check the fit and drape of the fabric as well as the overall appearance. They’re also known as “live mannequins” and have to meet specific height, bust-waist-hip, arm, leg, and other measurement requirements.

There are all kinds of “live mannequins,” including kids, women, men. They can be tall, small, etc. It may not matter in some cases since designers or manufacturers can use a variety to make their clothes.

white mannequins

How To Use The Word “Mannequin” In A Sentence?

  • That mannequin looks like a real person.
  • You have the body of a mannequin.
  • That girl stole that hat from the mannequin.
  • Last night, I saw a mannequin with the same shirt you have.
  • He can’t dance. I think a mannequin could dance better.
  • Please do not touch the mannequin’s clothes.
  • Mark is working as a live mannequin at the new store.
  • Monica looks like a mannequin. She can wear any clothes she wants.
  • I can’t believe this store doesn’t have any mannequins.
  • I’ll be waiting for you next to the mannequins.
  • When I was a little boy, I used to be afraid of mannequins.
  • They should change the clothes on those mannequins.
  • All these mannequins have the same color.

Curiosities About Mannequins And Related Terms

  • Pediophobia is the name when there’s a phobia towards mannequins.
  • Agalmatophilia is a paraphilia involving sexual attraction to a statue, doll, or mannequins.
  • There is a syndrome called “mannequin syndrome,” which consists of anorexia, amenorrhea, and swelling of the parotid glands. It is prevalent and has been diagnosed several times in fashion models or air hostesses.
  • Mannequins were used in ancient China to lure enemies during war times.
  • Mannequins are used in some therapies where you choose a mannequin to talk to. Some people have said it was very therapeutic for them.
  • The average lifespan of a mannequin ranges from seven to eight years.
  • The oldest mannequin is from 1350 B.C. In 1923, paleontologists found a “mannequin” in the tomb of pharaoh King Tut with his measurements.

Final Thoughts

The best medicine for knowledge is research and reading. Remember, if we do not investigate further to know the correct spelling of a word, we will always miss something. In this case, the words that can be pronounced similarly, but may have different meanings, for example, the terms “manikin” and “mannequin;” they’re similar words but with a different meaning.