contraption

noun

con·​trap·​tion kən-ˈtrap-shən 

: device, gadget

Did you know?

What exactly is a contraption?

In the words of one Little Mermaid, “I’ve got gadgets and gizmos a-plenty.” It would have been on-theme (though perhaps a bit clunky) for the aquatic princess to include in her siren song the word contraption. Synonymous with both gadget and gizmo, and widget too, in referring to mechanical and electronic devices, contraption is also one of a raft of terms people reach for when talking about various human-made bits and bobs, whether mechanical or not. (It's thought to have possibly been formed as a blend of contrivance, trap, and invention.) Want more thingamabob words? Try doohickey, thingamajig, dingus, or doodad.

Synonyms

• appliance
• contrivance
• gadget
• gimmick
• gizmo
• gismo
• jigger
• widget

Examples of contraption in a Sentence

The people wondered how the contraption worked.

built a contraption for automatically buttering toast

Recent Examples on the Web

Needless to say, those who hate the thought of decorating for hours on end were incredibly jealous of this contraption. —Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024

But one contraption from the original Saw, which is the only movie in the franchise that Wan, 47, has directed, still stands out as his favorite. —Jen Juneau, People.com, 29 Oct. 2024

The team of scientists from Cambridge University — includes roboticists, paleontologists, and biologists — are performing a feat of intellectual time travel to construct the contraptions. —Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 23 Oct. 2024

There were four of the contraptions, said Michigan State Police Specialist Lt. Derrick Carroll. —Darcie Moran, Detroit Free Press, 8 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

perhaps blend of contrivance, trap, and invention

First Known Use

circa 1825, in the meaning defined above

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Kids Definition

contraption

noun

con·​trap·​tion kən-ˈtrap-shən 

: device sense 1c, gadget