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

Old Town is also a good place to get souvenirs, with there being plenty of gift shops to get some Arizona knickknacks. —Alexandra Hardle, The Arizona Republic, 26 Nov. 2024

While displays of photos, dollar bills and knickknacks above bottles of bourbon are pretty typical in neighborhood dives, the vibe of the corner bar at 412 N. Fifth St. in Kansas City, Kansas, is its own thing. —Allison Dikanovic, Kansas City Star, 2 Jan. 2025

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

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