trinket
Americannoun
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a small ornament, piece of jewelry, etc., usually of little value.
-
anything of trivial value.
verb (used without object)
noun
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a small or worthless ornament or piece of jewellery
-
a trivial object; trifle
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of trinket
First recorded in 1525–35; origin uncertain
Explanation
The word trinket refers to an inexpensive, flashy ornament or piece of jewelry. A rhinestone brooch to pin to your jacket is a showy trinket that won't break the bank. Trinkets aren't always made to be worn like jewelry. The word trinket can also refer to novelty items such as silly magnets with sayings on them or keepsake spoons. If you've ever stopped into a store at the airport that sells goods like keychains, mugs, and buttons, then you've seen trinkets. Trinkets are often purchased on a vacation — they're small enough to stick into your pockets before you board the plane home.
Vocabulary lists containing trinket
Lyrical vocabulary: Return to the '70s
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Mardi Gras: Fun
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"Rules of the Game" (from The Joy Luck Club) by Amy Tan
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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.
Trinket vendors with whom Hemingway found a passing repartee still line the sides.
From Salon • Jul. 12, 2025
The Indian armed forces had evacuated almost 29,000 survivors—roughly 20,000 of whom were Nicobarese, including everyone from six of the smaller islands, such as Trinket, Chowra and Bompoka.
From Scientific American • Mar. 25, 2020
At the Sochi Games in 2014, where he also acted as a correspondent for NBC, Weir channeled the fabulous Effie Trinket, wearing a bold, color-block suit with green-and-gold accents to match.
From Slate • Feb. 23, 2018
Ms. Banks had a lead role in those - the article mentions her character, Effie Trinket.
From New York Times • Dec. 20, 2017
Effie Trinket makes it sound like Haymitch just has somewhat rough manners that could be corrected with a few tips from her.
From "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
