Is clay-figure the same as figurine?

Not exactly. A clay-figure tells you the material is clay. A figurine only tells you it is a small figure.

Is clay-figure a common word?

It is understandable, but figurine or clay model is more common in everyday English.

Can I use clay-figure in academic writing?

Yes, if you are describing an object made of clay. In formal writing, sculpture or figurine may sound more natural.

← Dictionary

clay-figure

/ˈkleɪ ˌfɪɡə/

IELTSAcademic

noun

A small figure made from clay, often shaped by hand or for decoration. It can be a model of a person, animal, or object.

She made a clay-figure of a bird.
The museum showed old clay-figures.
He shaped a clay-figure by hand.

Adinary Nuance

A clay-figure is more specific than a sculpture, which can be made from many materials. It is also more descriptive than a figurine, which is often used for a small decorative figure. Use clay-figure when you want to stress the material, not just the shape.

In other languages

Vietnamese: tượng đất sét
Spanish: figura de arcilla
Chinese: 泥塑
Japanese: 粘土人形
Korean: 점토 조각상

Etymology

Clay-figure is a compound of clay and figure. It is an English descriptive term, formed to name an object made from clay in the shape of a figure.

Common phrases

a clay-figure of a personmake a clay-figuresmall clay-figureshandmade clay-figures

Synonyms

figurine statuette clay model

Related words

clay sculpture pottery figurine

Frequently asked questions

Is clay-figure the same as figurine?: Not exactly. A clay-figure tells you the material is clay. A figurine only tells you it is a small figure.
Is clay-figure a common word?: It is understandable, but figurine or clay model is more common in everyday English.
Can I use clay-figure in academic writing?: Yes, if you are describing an object made of clay. In formal writing, sculpture or figurine may sound more natural.