contraption

[ kuhn-trap-shuhn ]

noun

1. a mechanical contrivance; gadget; device.

contraption

/ kənˈtræpʃən /

noun

1. informal.
   a device or contrivance, esp one considered strange, unnecessarily intricate, or improvised

Other Words From

• con·trap·tious adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of contraption¹

First recorded in 1815–25; perhaps contr(ivance) + (ad)aption, variant of adaptation

Word History and Origins

Origin of contraption¹

C19: perhaps from con ( trivance ) + trap ¹+ ( inven ) tion

Example Sentences

“The Oceangate contraption was an aberration,” he told BBC News.

From BBC

The team retrieved it using a contraption made from a rope and a broom handle.

From BBC

It was more of a contraption than an invention.

From Slate

I was standing in a containment cage, a contraption smaller than a telephone booth made of steel and mesh wire.

From Slate

The all-electric aircraft could revolutionize city transportation and offer an escape from L.A. traffic, according to Joby Aviation, the company behind the contraption.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• appliance
• contrivance
• gadget
• gizmo
• rig