trinket

[ tring-kit ]

noun

1. a small ornament, piece of jewelry, etc., usually of little value.
2. anything of trivial value.

verb (used without object)

1. to deal secretly or surreptitiously.

trinket

/ ˈtrɪŋkɪt /

noun

1. a small or worthless ornament or piece of jewellery
2. a trivial object; trifle

Derived Forms

• ˈtrinketry, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of trinket¹

First recorded in 1525–35; origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of trinket¹

C16: perhaps from earlier trenket little knife, via Old Northern French, from Latin truncāre to lop

Example Sentences

Clarisse Loughrey gave the film three stars in the Independent, calling Paddington in Peru "the worst in the franchise" but praised the production design, which takes full advantage of moving the cast away from the cosy comforts of London, and making "every interior look like an untouched escape room with secrets hidden under every trinket".

From BBC

That gives this tiny trinket an outsize dose of big Cali energy, no?

From Los Angeles Times

I knew he hadn’t purchased this trinket for me.

From Los Angeles Times

It felt like sifting through the treasures inside Ariel’s’ underwater grotto; even the tiniest trinket was etched with perfect, arcane meaning.

From Salon

Others wait patiently at the merchandise stalls, anxious to buy a jersey, a scarf, a commemorative trinket.

From New York Times

Related Words

• bauble
• bead
• gadget
• junk
• ornament
• toy