knickknack

noun

knick·​knack ˈnik-ˌnak How to pronounce knickknack (audio)
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

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 Some 30,000 people viewed the pre-sale displays of furniture, jewelry and White House knickknacks and snapped up more than 100,000 catalogs, at $90 in hardcover and $45 in softcover. Prices, driven by ecstasies of nostalgia, went through the roof. Trip Gabriel, New York Times, 21 May 2024 For 75 years, the Bench Commission in Boise has sold new and used furniture, antiques and knickknacks. Angela Palermo, Idaho Statesman, 9 May 2024 This doesn't mean a picture of your dog is going to tank your productivity, just be selective with books, decor and knickknacks that could slow you down. Kelsey Chapman, ABC News, 24 Apr. 2024 In addition, there will be retail vendors selling clothing, jewelry, collectibles and knickknacks. Hanh Truong, Sacramento Bee, 23 Apr. 2024 If a book doesn’t catch your eye, a knickknack probably will. Brianna Taylor, Sacramento Bee, 22 Mar. 2024 Try scattering your fairy-sized knickknacks on shelves and mantels, and play around with small centerpieces for your coffee table. Abby Wilson, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Dec. 2023 Among the intriguing knickknacks on the shelves were a covered wagon replica and a decorative cluster of Lucite grapes that looked like large marbles. Jeff Suess, The Enquirer, 17 Mar. 2024 Every knickknack and furnishing is era-appropriate. Roger Naylor, The Arizona Republic, 11 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'knickknack.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

reduplication of knack

First Known Use

1682, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of knickknack was in 1682

Dictionary Entries Near knickknack

Cite this Entry

“Knickknack.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/knickknack. Accessed 3 Jun. 2024.

Kids Definition

knickknack

noun
knick·​knack ˈnik-ˌnak How to pronounce knickknack (audio)
: a small ornamental object

More from Merriam-Webster on knickknack

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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