1. a small preliminary model of a sculpture or architectural work
Usage: art and architecture

Examples

• The sculptor created a clay maquette before beginning work on the full-sized bronze statue.
• The architect presented a detailed maquette of the proposed building to the city council.
• Students in the art class were asked to make maquettes of their final sculpture projects.
• The museum displayed the artist’s original maquette alongside the completed monument.
• She spent weeks perfecting the proportions in her small maquette.
• The maquette helped the committee visualize how the memorial would look in the park.