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

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Dictionary Entries Near gubbins

Cite this Entry

“Gubbins.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gubbins. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

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