gewgaw

[ gyoo-gaw, goo- ]

noun

1. something gaudy and useless; trinket; bauble.

gewgaw

/ ˈɡuː-; ˈɡjuːɡɔː /

noun

1. a showy but valueless trinket

adjective

1. showy and valueless; gaudy

Other Words From

• gewgawed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of gewgaw¹

First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English giuegaue; gradational compound of uncertain origin; perhaps akin to Middle French, French gogo (see (à) gogo )

Word History and Origins

Origin of gewgaw¹

C15: of unknown origin

Example Sentences

Here again the gewgaw of royal parade was intended to entrap the admiration of the ignorant.

From Project Gutenberg

Compare it for a moment with the gewgaw skimble-skamble diplomatic sensationalism with which we have been presented since.

From Project Gutenberg

Some of them have been won by a mess of pottage, a mere bauble or a gewgaw.

From Project Gutenberg

Patient investigation reveals a lacquered toilet-box with a mirror under the lid, a cheap and nasty gewgaw.

From Project Gutenberg

She wondered what Madame Beattie thought she could get out of giving up the adored gewgaw into other hands.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• bauble
• trifle
• trinket