widget

American  

[wij-it] / ˈwɪdʒ ɪt /

noun

1. a small mechanical device, as a knob or switch, especially one whose name is not known or cannot be recalled; gadget.

   a row of widgets on the instrument panel.

2. something considered typical or representative, as of a manufacturer's products.

   the widgets coming off the assembly line.

3. Digital Technology. a module on a website, in an application, or in the interface of a device that allows users to access information or perform a function.

   I added a weather widget to my screen.

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widget British  

/ ˈwɪdʒɪt /

noun

1. informal any small mechanism or device, the name of which is unknown or temporarily forgotten

2. a small device in a beer can which, when the can is opened, releases nitrogen gas into the beer, giving it a head

3. a small computer program that can be installed on and executed from the desktop of a personal computer

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Etymology

Origin of widget

First recorded in 1925–30; perhaps alteration of gadget

Explanation

A widget is a tool that's perfect for a specific job, like the widget you use to open the door of your ancient car, or the widgets on your webpage that link to your social media accounts. Widget is commonly used to mean "gadget," the word that inspired this American English term. If your grandpa tinkers with tools and gizmos in his garage, he's definitely got widgets in there. Sometimes theoretical products or goods are also called widgets: "Say you build a widget factory right here on Main Street..." When it comes to computers, a widget is code that does a specific job, often taking you from one site to another in a single click.

Example Sentences

A merger of widget makers doesn’t lend itself to TV coverage festooned with clips of A-list stars and memorable film and TV scenes.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 17, 2026

Candidates in a real process would be able to log their issue with the on-screen help widget and receive a new link to restart the assessment, the company's VP of product, Claudia Baijens, says.

From BBC • Dec. 8, 2025

As if health coverage is a widget the company has engineered rather than a lifeline it is cutting.

From MarketWatch • Nov. 19, 2025

Most recently, I installed a screen-time widget on my home screen.

From Slate • Nov. 16, 2024

To activate widget A, doohickey B is inserted into slot C. If the one trying to activate the silly thing is you, make you the subject.

From "Woe Is I" by Patricia T. O'Conner

Related Words

• gizmo