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 Words From

• 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

"There are some interesting shopping habits in this aisle," he said, adding he had known rows between couples after a man had become "intrigued by a gadget or two".

From BBC

The ban is contained in a memo, ordering police officers to abandon their private communication gadgets while on duty.

From BBC

But after more than a decade of use it was phased out and replaced with USB-C ports in more recent versions of its gadgets, starting with the iPhone 15 last September.

From BBC

Drivers do have a few gadgets at their disposal to make sure journeys can be completed.

From BBC

The maker of a popular line of vehicle tuning gadgets and software has agreed to pay the U.S.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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