gadget

noun

gad·​get ˈga-jət 

: an often small mechanical or electronic device with a practical use but often thought of as a novelty

gadgetry

ˈga-jə-trē 

noun

gadgety

ˈga-jə-tē 

adjective

Synonyms

• appliance
• contraption
• contrivance
• gimmick
• gizmo
• gismo
• jigger
• widget

Examples of gadget in a Sentence

The kitchen is equipped with all the latest gadgets.

cell phones, pagers, and other gadgets

Recent Examples on the Web

Published on January 10, 2025 By Bryan Hood Lenovo/LG/Halliday/Honda For tech obsessives and gadget junkies there’s no better time of the year than the beginning of January. —Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 10 Jan. 2025

Others might race to adopt the latest gadget or piece of software, but a back-to-basics approach has proven immensely effective in the digital age. —William Mullane, USA TODAY, 8 Jan. 2025

Still, these vanguards in the wearable industry are pushing us toward an era when always-listening gadgets on our wrists and heads could grow to be more helpful. —Julian Chokkattu, WIRED, 8 Jan. 2025

Then check out more deals on customer-favorite cleaning gadgets ahead. —Isabel Garcia, People.com, 8 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

perhaps a sound-symbolic coinage, with final as in fidget entry 1, midget, idjit (nonstandard form of idiot)

First Known Use

1886, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

gadget

noun

gad·​get ˈgaj-ət 

: an interesting, unfamiliar, or unusual device with a practical use

gadgetry

ˈgaj-ə-trē 

noun