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gubbins

British  
/ ˈɡʌbɪnz /

noun

  1. (functioning as singular) an object of little or no value

  2. (functioning as singular) a small device or gadget

  3. (functioning as plural) odds and ends; litter or rubbish

  4. (functioning as singular) a silly person

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of gubbins

C16 (meaning: fragments): from obsolete gobbon, probably related to gobbet

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

No longer can it be merely enjoyed for what it is – a couple of hours of well-meaning, gently funny sentimental gubbins with an all-star cast.

From The Guardian • Dec. 8, 2019

We had already made a terrible mess of it, with three cameras and all the wiry gubbins that goes with them.

From BBC • May 21, 2011

There's a clever electronic gubbins hidden away somewhere that determines the sounds we hear.

From The Guardian • Jun. 6, 2010

Back then, as if to avoid eclipsing the day job, Albarn and illustrator Jamie Hewlett shrouded their so-called "virtual band" in all manner of multimedia gubbins.

From The Guardian • Apr. 29, 2010

Having read, seen and heard a large amount of the pre-match gubbins, I am happy to provide you, dear reader, with a simple resumé of what we'll be watching from Stamford Bridge: 22 irrelevant players.

From The Guardian • Mar. 16, 2010

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