trinket

American  

[tring-kit] / ˈtrɪŋ kɪt /

noun

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

2. anything of trivial value.

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verb (used without object)

1. to deal secretly or surreptitiously.

trinket British  

/ ˈtrɪŋkɪt /

noun

1. a small or worthless ornament or piece of jewellery

2. a trivial object; trifle

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• trinketry
  noun

Etymology

Origin of trinket

First recorded in 1525–35; origin uncertain

Explanation

The word trinket refers to an inexpensive, flashy ornament or piece of jewelry. A rhinestone brooch to pin to your jacket is a showy trinket that won't break the bank. Trinkets aren't always made to be worn like jewelry. The word trinket can also refer to novelty items such as silly magnets with sayings on them or keepsake spoons. If you've ever stopped into a store at the airport that sells goods like keychains, mugs, and buttons, then you've seen trinkets. Trinkets are often purchased on a vacation — they're small enough to stick into your pockets before you board the plane home.

Example Sentences

Roughly a year ago, the threshold for a second trinket dropped to 25 plates instead of 30, enticing people to up their plate count from the low 20s to 25, according to Uttz, the CFO.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 9, 2026

One analyst hasn’t been taken in, characterizing it as an effort to ride last year’s Labubu-led trinket craze.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 29, 2026

From an £800 trinket box to a rusty ice cream fridge receiving zero bids, Bargain Hunt has seen thousands of items go under the hammer.

From BBC • Mar. 13, 2025

I turned out cheerful if not masterful pieces with reckless proliferation: The lumpy pink vase, the thick-bottomed trinket bowl, the loopy cup with uneven seafoam glaze.

From Salon • Dec. 16, 2024

“It’s a trinket from home. No harm to it.”

From "Orphan Train" by Christina Baker Kline

Related Words

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