gadget

[ gaj-it ]

noun

1. a mechanical contrivance or device; any ingenious article.

   Synonyms: thingamajig, doohickey, whatsis, contraption

gadget

/ ˈɡædʒɪt /

noun

1. a small mechanical device or appliance
2. any object that is interesting for its ingenuity or novelty rather than for its practical use

Derived Forms

• ˈgadgety, adjective

Other Word Forms

• gadg·et·y [gaj, -i-tee], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of gadget¹

1850–55; origin uncertain; compare French gâchette the catch of a lock, sear of a gunlock

Word History and Origins

Origin of gadget¹

C19: perhaps from French gâchette lock catch, trigger, diminutive of gâche staple

Example Sentences

Trump's technology exemptions - which include smartphones, computers and semiconductors - offered hope for tech giants and consumers who worried the price of gadgets would skyrocket as a result of the tariffs.

From BBC

The move comes after concerns from US tech companies that the price of gadgets could skyrocket, as many of them are made in China.

From BBC

The world's most popular gadgets - phones, laptops, tablets, smartwatches - could be about to get a lot more expensive in the US.

From BBC

Police say the gadgets help investigate stolen cars, locate fugitives, and solve crimes by checking who came and went from a neighborhood on any given day.

From Los Angeles Times

Meta, Amazon and Alphabet also produce consumer gadgets but make billions of dollars annually from ads purchased by brands in other countries, which some analysts say could also drop if these advertisers pull back spending.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• apparatus
• appliance
• contraption
• gimmick
• gizmo
• object
• tool
• utensil
• widget