knickknack

noun

knick·​knack ˈnik-ˌnak 

variants or less commonly nicknack

plural knickknacks also nicknacks

: a small trivial article usually intended for ornament

a collection of colorful knickknacks

Known in the computer industry as tchotchkes, which is Yiddish for cheap trinkets, the knickknacks distributed in the past year have included "Love Me Tender" toilet-roll dispensers, wax eyeballs, chocolate computers and Nerf-ball launchers.

—Jim Carlton

Melissa Etheridge's spacious two-story home outside Los Angeles is filled with knickknacks from her life: Aside from awards and photos, there is a small collection of vintage neon clocks … and a Thelma & Louise poster signed by the cast (including a then-unknown Brad Pitt).

—Lynette Rice

Synonyms

• bauble
• bibelot
• curio
• curiosity
• doodad
• gaud
• gewgaw
• geegaw
• gimcrack
• kickshaw
• novelty
• ornamental
• tchotchke
• trinket

Examples of knickknack in a Sentence

The shelves were filled with knickknacks.

a variety of pretty porcelain knickknacks adorned the mantel

Recent Examples on the Web

Shelves are lined with clocks, baubles, bottles and other charming knickknacks that give off an old-world feel. —Madalyn Mendoza, Axios, 13 Dec. 2024

The kids decide to rummage through his old stuff, knickknacks from his international travels. —EW.com, 19 Dec. 2024

Take a stroll through Condé Nast’s halls, where staffers draw inspiration from the spring/summer 2025 collections and replace boughs of holly with knickknacks and doodads dangling from their everyday bags. —Ciarra Lorren Zatorski, Vogue, 5 Dec. 2024

Score discounts on Christmas trees, holiday knickknacks, festive wreaths, and more while these limited-time offers last. —Clara McMahon, People.com, 2 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

reduplication of knack

First Known Use

1682, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

knickknack

noun

knick·​knack ˈnik-ˌnak 

: a small ornamental object