'figurine' originates from French, specifically the word 'figurine', where the root 'figure' ultimately comes from Latin 'figura' meaning 'form' or 'shape'.

'figurine' changed from the French word 'figurine' and entered English (via French) in the 19th century as the modern English word 'figurine'.

Initially, it meant 'a small figure' and over time it evolved into its current usage as 'a small decorative statuette' (meaning has remained largely stable).