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

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

From Los Angeles Times

Sharan started to avoid the school canteen as a result and would spend lunch money on trinkets and hobbies, rather than food.

From BBC

Over hundreds of episodes and more than 20 seasons, Fritz and Wolfe scoured the nation for antique and vintage goods — finding value in and giving new life to aging trinkets.

From Los Angeles Times

Indulge the inner ornament enthusiast From there, I’d go over to Hillhurst to Spitfire Girl, this really, really cute store that has amazing gifts and trinkets.

From Los Angeles Times

It would mark the full circle of a seven-year project: welding recycled materials and donated trinkets into whimsical sculptures containing uplifting messages.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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