contraption

noun

con·trap·tion kən-ˈtrap-shən

Synonyms of contraption next

: device, gadget

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What exactly is a contraption?

In the words of one Little Mermaid, “I’ve got gadgets and gizmos a-plenty.” It would have been on-theme (though perhaps a bit clunky) for the aquatic princess to include in her siren song the word contraption. Synonymous with both gadget and gizmo, and widget too, in referring to mechanical and electronic devices, contraption is also one of a raft of terms people reach for when talking about various human-made bits and bobs, whether mechanical or not. (It's thought to have possibly been formed as a blend of contrivance, trap, and invention.) Want more thingamabob words? Try doohickey, thingamajig, dingus, or doodad.

Examples of contraption in a Sentence

The people wondered how the contraption worked. built a contraption for automatically buttering toast

Recent Examples on the Web

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Larson believed the contraption would flag false answers via distinct fluctuations etched by a stylus onto a revolving drum of paper. —

Susan Saulny, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 Oct. 2024 After the machine was explained to me, I was taught how to properly lay down on the contraption and instructed to lie still while the machine scanned me like a TSA bin. —

Jamie Spain, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2024 Made out of block toys, dominoes, sandbox toys, train tracks and other various kid-friendly gadgets, the contraption was an idea that Marzollo came up with and something that Wick, 71, ultimately designed in his studio. —

Stacy Lambe, People.com, 4 Oct. 2024 Meanwhile, some members of the public feared riding by themselves in the newfangled contraptions and demanded operators. —

Jenn Brice, Fortune, 4 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for contraption