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

Pringle and Widget were the stars as they made their appearance at The Grand Care Home in West Bridgford.

From BBC • Feb. 18, 2026

For her, a family birthday party was an equivalent to the Acme Widget Co. annual report, while portraits of relatives were easily as significant as stuffy pictures of the board of directors.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 9, 2023

For instance, after we called out LiveIn and Locket Widget for seemingly failing to disclose data sharing in their policies, both added new sections that made their policies more complete.

From Washington Post • Jul. 1, 2022

Make your selection, and then tap the Add Widget button on the next screen.

From New York Times • Jun. 1, 2022

He considers packing a spare pair of shoes but decides he can likely borrow some from Widget if need be.

From "The Night Circus" by Erin Morgenstern

Related Words

• gizmo