gadget

noun

gad·​get ˈga-jət How to pronounce gadget (audio)
: an often small mechanical or electronic device with a practical use but often thought of as a novelty
gadgetry noun
gadgety adjective

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
While wine gift catalogs feature heavily on oversize, pricey gadgets to open bottles, Stroemer, like most wine professionals, swears by the simple, inexpensive Pulltaps double-hinged waiter’s corkscrew. Anna Lee Iijima, Chicago Tribune, 11 Dec. 2024 As someone with an aversion to traditional TVs, this gadget from Amazon is a mainstay of movie marathons in my house. Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 10 Dec. 2024 Smart skin care, wearable wonder, and genius gadgets are great for any giftee. Adam Mansuroglu, WWD, 8 Dec. 2024 This portable gadget includes a variety of foam attachments—perfect for targeting the smallest (or biggest) of knots. Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 6 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for gadget 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of gadget was in 1886

Dictionary Entries Near gadget

Cite this Entry

“Gadget.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gadget. Accessed 18 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

gadget

noun
gad·​get ˈgaj-ət How to pronounce gadget (audio)
: an interesting, unfamiliar, or unusual device with a practical use
gadgetry noun

More from Merriam-Webster on gadget

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