gubbins

noun plural but singular or plural in construction

gub·​bins
ˈgəbə̇nz
variants or less commonly gubbings
",
-biŋz
1
dialectal, British : fish parings or refuse
broadly : any bits and pieces : scraps
2
British : gadgets, gadgetry
the gubbins for changing a tire
all the navigational gubbinsJ. L. Rhys
3
British : a foolish or futile person : simpleton
you silly gubbins

Word History

Etymology

gubbins, plural of gubbin fragment, paring, alteration of obsolete English gobone gobbet, portion, from Middle English gobyn, goboun; gubbings, alteration of gubbins

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near gubbins

Cite this Entry

“Gubbins.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gubbins. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!