widget

American  

[wij-it] / ˈwɪdʒ ɪt /

noun

1. a small mechanical device, as a knob or switch, especially one whose name is not known or cannot be recalled; gadget.

   a row of widgets on the instrument panel.

2. something considered typical or representative, as of a manufacturer's products.

   the widgets coming off the assembly line.

3. Digital Technology. a module on a website, in an application, or in the interface of a device that allows users to access information or perform a function.

   I added a weather widget to my screen.

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widget British  

/ ˈwɪdʒɪt /

noun

1. informal any small mechanism or device, the name of which is unknown or temporarily forgotten

2. a small device in a beer can which, when the can is opened, releases nitrogen gas into the beer, giving it a head

3. a small computer program that can be installed on and executed from the desktop of a personal computer

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Etymology

Origin of widget

First recorded in 1925–30; perhaps alteration of gadget

Example Sentences

They run as a rectangular banner at the bottom—part of a widget that also shows news, the weather and a calendar.

From The Wall Street Journal

Stick shifts are also slower than their auto-shifted counterparts from 0-60 mph—due to the fleshy, fallible widgets sitting in the driver’s seat.

From The Wall Street Journal

A merger of widget makers doesn’t lend itself to TV coverage festooned with clips of A-list stars and memorable film and TV scenes.

From The Wall Street Journal

Modern cars are packed with internet-connected widgets, many of them containing Chinese technology.

From The Wall Street Journal

A widget helps walk through the options and will calculate how much of the investment you need to make for the desired monthly benefit.

From MarketWatch

Related Words

• gizmo