knickknack

or nick·nack

[ nik-nak ]

/ ˈnɪkˌnæk /

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See synonyms for: knickknack / knickknacks on Thesaurus.com

noun

an ornamental trinket or gimcrack; a bit of bric-a-brac.

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Origin of knickknack

1610–20; gradational compound based on knack in obsolete sense “toy”

OTHER WORDS FROM knickknack

knickknacked, adjectiveknickknacky, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use knickknack in a sentence

The trio haunted east coast flea markets, sourcing knickknacks that would adorn the lobby and guest rooms.
Ace Hotel Founder Alex Calderwood’s Greatest Legacy|Jessica Dawson|November 20, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Soon after the young tyke began collecting presidential memorabilia and other knickknacks.
The White House Scammer|Jacob Bernstein|November 2, 2011|DAILY BEAST
She passed the dressing-table, still crowded with her knickknacks and mementoes.
The Salamander|Owen Johnson
A richly-furnished place, with knickknacks and fine muslin about it, would have been set on fire immediately.
The Queen of Hearts|Wilkie Collins

It was a sort of boudoir, filled with feminine knickknacks and mahogany lounging chairs.
The Window at the White Cat|Mary Roberts Rinehart
Several curious townspeople strolled to the office door, and out of good nature invested in various knickknacks displayed.
Bound to Succeed|Allen Chapman
We have fancy trays, knickknacks, and extra little tables that we do not need.
The Good Housekeeping Marriage Book|Various

British Dictionary definitions for knickknack

knick-knack

nick-nack

/ (ˈnɪkˌnæk) /

noun

a cheap ornament; trinket

an ornamental article of furniture, dress, etc

Derived forms of knick-knack

knick-knackery or nick-nackery, noun

Word Origin for knick-knack

C17: by reduplication from knack, in obsolete sense: toy

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