contraption

[kuhn-trap-shuhn]

noun

1. a mechanical contrivance; gadget; device.

contraption

/ kənˈtræpʃən /

noun

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

Other Word Forms

• contraptious adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of contraption¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of contraption¹

C19: perhaps from _con ( _trivance ) + _trap ¹ + ( _inven ) _tion

Example Sentences

He’s been drilling holes in the concrete walls with the large red contraption, which comes with a small attached vacuum that sucks up concrete dust as it penetrates the wall.

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In “The Dark Knight,” Batman makes a dramatic escape deploying the same kind of balloon-harness contraption.

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Race cars and blockbuster movies have a core thing in common: They’re expensive contraptions made by teams who are painfully aware that they can fine-tune everything and still crash.

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With interior chambers lined with perforated metal walls, the contraption somewhat resembles a fast-food restaurant’s deep fryer.

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Asked whether the contraption could, for instance, disrupt drone frequencies and force them to return to their bases, he replied mysteriously: "Maybe, among other things."

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Related Words

• appliance 
• contrivance 
• gadget 
• gizmo 
• rig