trinket
Americannoun
-
a small ornament, piece of jewelry, etc., usually of little value.
-
anything of trivial value.
verb (used without object)
noun
-
a small or worthless ornament or piece of jewellery
-
a trivial object; trifle
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Nouns
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.
See Examples For:
No matter your travel budget, it turns out, there’s something deeply satisfying about bringing home a trinket or two in addition to a gazillion photos.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 1, 2026
She gave him money for a deposit, bought bridesmaid dresses for her daughters, a veil, "a few little trinket bits".
From BBC ● Feb. 12, 2026
One analyst hasn’t been taken in, characterizing it as an effort to ride last year’s Labubu-led trinket craze.
From MarketWatch ● Jan. 29, 2026
“People my age are taking an interest in having heirlooms and traditional items,” Van Hulsen says as she points to a silver-plated trinket tray that holds her jewelry.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 28, 2026
“Now hand me that trinket box from your bag, and then you sit with your back against mine, so we’re both supported.”
From "Clean Getaway" by Nic Stone
His Batman fandom is also abundantly clear in the more than two dozen items of Batman-inspired art, furniture and trinkets that are also up for sale.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 6, 2026
The novel emerged as he began writing about the objects he had saved, everything from family keepsakes to trinkets picked up at the bazaars, which gradually brought his characters to life.
From Barron's ● Feb. 13, 2026
Step inside, though, and you're greeted by cuddly toys, candles, trinkets and messages of hope scribbled on large sheets.
From BBC ● Jan. 21, 2026
Since then, he has used spare cash to accumulate about 60 ounces of trinkets and coins, which he stores in a home safe.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 26, 2025
Carla’s eyes sweep over a high shelf where toys and trinkets are stored out of the way.
From "Before We Were Free" by Julia Alvarez
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.
