contraption

American  

[kuhn-trap-shuhn] / kənˈtræp ʃən /

noun

1. a mechanical contrivance; gadget; device.

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contraption British  

/ kənˈtræpʃən /

noun

1. informal a device or contrivance, esp one considered strange, unnecessarily intricate, or improvised

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Other Word Forms

• contraptious adjective

Etymology

Origin of contraption

First recorded in 1815–25; perhaps contr(ivance) + (ad)aption, variant of adaptation

Example Sentences

In this photograph, the contraption’s legs can be glimpsed jutting out from behind Lincoln’s knees; it had been placed on a black box to extend its reach.

From The Wall Street Journal

The barber chair, the locus of Sweeney’s revenge on the heartless cruelty of a Victorian London that wrecked his life, isn’t the elaborate contraption of other productions.

From Los Angeles Times

Trying to get their heads round the fact that this obscure contraption may determine the outcome of the war.

From Literature

It was the most unusual contraption, and I can best describe it as a horsehair cage.

From Literature

Step closer and you hear the contraption appearing to breathe, a tinkling sound like wind chimes emanating from the cooling mechanism that keeps its innards colder than outer space.

From Barron's

Related Words

• appliance
• contrivance
• gadget
• gizmo
• rig