variants
or less commonly nicknack
plural knickknacks also nicknacks
: a small trivial article usually intended for ornament
a collection of colorful knickknacks
Known in the computer industry as tchotchkes, which is Yiddish for cheap trinkets, the knickknacks distributed in the past year have included "Love Me Tender" toilet-roll dispensers, wax eyeballs, chocolate computers and Nerf-ball launchers.—
Jim Carlton
Jim CarltonMelissa Etheridge's spacious two-story home outside Los Angeles is filled with knickknacks from her life: Aside from awards and photos, there is a small collection of vintage neon clocks … and a Thelma & Louise poster signed by the cast (including a then-unknown Brad Pitt).—Lynette Rice
Lynette RiceSynonyms
Examples of knickknack in a Sentence
The shelves were filled with knickknacks.
a variety of pretty porcelain knickknacks adorned the mantel
Recent Examples on the Web
That’s Crazy is worth a spin to peruse oddities, knickknacks, and The Walking Dead production clothing and props.
—Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 29 Nov. 2024
One of Red Light’s closest neighbors, Gargoyles Statuary, is a dark, cozy store that truly embodies the Ave’s funky spirit with spooky wares like Gothic art, pagan knickknacks and sculptures of various sizes.
—Mike Seely, New York Times, 29 Aug. 2024
Read on to shop our picks for the best stocking stuffers and mini delights for this holiday season—including sweet treats, cold-weather accessories, and charming knickknacks.
—Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 1 Nov. 2024
Special Items Whether antiques, cherished knickknacks, or heirlooms, items that are very delicate and/or precious to the customer are typically items house cleaners won’t want to mess with in order to cut down the risk of damaging them.
—Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 5 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for knickknack 
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Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 29 Nov. 2024
One of Red Light’s closest neighbors, Gargoyles Statuary, is a dark, cozy store that truly embodies the Ave’s funky spirit with spooky wares like Gothic art, pagan knickknacks and sculptures of various sizes.
—Mike Seely, New York Times, 29 Aug. 2024
Read on to shop our picks for the best stocking stuffers and mini delights for this holiday season—including sweet treats, cold-weather accessories, and charming knickknacks.
—Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 1 Nov. 2024
Special Items Whether antiques, cherished knickknacks, or heirlooms, items that are very delicate and/or precious to the customer are typically items house cleaners won’t want to mess with in order to cut down the risk of damaging them.
—Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 5 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for knickknack
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Dictionary Entries Near knickknack
Cite this Entry
“Knickknack.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/knickknack. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
knickknack
noun
knick·knack
ˈnik-ˌnak 
: a small ornamental object
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