waxwork

Everyday

1. A life-size model of a person made of wax, usually of a famous person. tree →
2. (waxworks) A museum or exhibition of such models, such as Madame Tussauds in London. tree →

In the lessons

Used in everyday life and on trips: at a waxworks you can stand next to models of kings, queens, film stars and athletes. In stories, waxworks can be spooky because the figures look almost alive. Phrases: "a waxwork of", "the waxworks museum".

Examples

• We had our photo taken with a waxwork of the Queen. tree →
• The waxwork looked so real I nearly said hello. tree →
• Madame Tussauds is a famous waxworks in London. tree →
• In the scary story, the waxworks came alive at midnight. tree →
• It takes months to make one waxwork. tree →
• The waxwork of the footballer was wearing his real shirt. tree →

Note

Countable. "A waxworks" (with -s) can mean the whole museum, and it can take a singular verb: "The waxworks is closed on Monday." Wax melts when hot, so the figures are kept away from strong heat.