gadget

[gaj-it]

noun

1. a mechanical contrivance or device; any ingenious article.

   Synonyms: thingamajig, doohickey, whatsis, contraption

gadget

/ ˈɡædʒɪt /

noun

1. a small mechanical device or appliance

2. any object that is interesting for its ingenuity or novelty rather than for its practical use

Other Word Forms

• gadgety adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of gadget¹

1850–55; origin uncertain; compare French gâchette the catch of a lock, sear of a gunlock

Word History and Origins

Origin of gadget¹

C19: perhaps from French gâchette lock catch, trigger, diminutive of gâche staple

Example Sentences

Cope's book series features cute animals using gadgets to solve crimes, catch robbers and undertake daredevil missions.

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The books feature cute animals using gadgets to solve crimes, catch robbers and undertake daredevil missions.

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Catherine says smartphones and gadgets have become a "constant distraction, fragmenting our focus" and undermining the time that families spend together.

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Two years later, the company behind the disappearing messaging app Snapchat tried selling sunglasses equipped with a camera in vending machines, but the wearable gadget also flopped.

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Davis doubles as a returner but will also continue to get offensive snaps as a gadget option.

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Related Words

• apparatus 
• appliance 
• contraption 
• gimmick 
• gizmo 
• object 
• tool 
• utensil 
• widget