muñeco
“muñeco” means “doll” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
doll, toy figure
Also: stuffed animal
📝 In Action
El niño perdió su muñeco favorito en el parque.
A1The boy lost his favorite doll/toy figure in the park.
Necesito comprar un muñeco nuevo para el cumpleaños de mi sobrino.
A2I need to buy a new toy for my nephew's birthday.
action figure, mannequin
Also: figurine, dummy
📝 In Action
El museo exhibía un muñeco de cera de la reina.
B2The museum exhibited a wax figure/dummy of the queen.
Los muñecos de la tienda de ropa tienen ropa de invierno.
B1The mannequins in the clothing store are wearing winter clothes.
handsome man
Also: hunk
📝 In Action
Ese actor es un verdadero muñeco; todas sus fans lo adoran.
C1That actor is a real handsome guy; all his fans adore him.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: muñeco
Question 1 of 1
Which of these sentences uses 'muñeco' in its most common, A1-level meaning?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word 'muñeco' is the masculine form of 'muñeca'. 'Muñeca' (meaning both 'doll' and 'wrist') comes from an older Spanish word related to the hand or a small, round object. The idea is that a doll is a small, crafted figure, much like the hand or wrist is a manageable, defined part of the body.
First recorded: 15th century (related forms)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'muñeco' and 'muñeca'?
In Spanish, 'muñeca' is feminine and means two things: the 'wrist' (body part) or a 'doll' (usually a female doll). 'Muñeco' is masculine and is used for any male doll, a generic toy figure, or a mannequin/figure model.
Can 'muñeco' be used for a snowman?
Yes, absolutely! The term for a snowman is 'muñeco de nieve' (literally, 'doll/figure of snow').