gadget

American  

[gaj-it] / ˈgædʒ ɪt /

noun

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

   Synonyms:

   thingamajig, doohickey, whatsis, contraption

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gadget British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• gadgety adjective

Etymology

Origin of gadget

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

Example Sentences

As robots take their usual spotlight at the annual CES gadget fest, insiders caution that making them truly like humans will take several more years and require lots of training.

From Barron's

The new deal is expected to bring two of the country’s most influential companies closer together at a time when payments are increasingly playing out on people’s phones, watches and other gadgets.

From The Wall Street Journal

Some bought electronics 30% off the listed price and used payment methods that allowed them to buy gadgets such as smartphones but pay later.

From Los Angeles Times

We grilled pros on the best clothes, shoes and gadgets—just in time for your extremely ambitious 2026 fitness goals.

From The Wall Street Journal

However, the technology for now is being put to work at very specialized tasks -- in gadgets that translate languages during conversations, say, or monitor health symptoms, or provide information on people's surroundings through smart glasses.

From Barron's

Related Words

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