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
Jim CarltonMelissa 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
Lynette RiceSynonyms
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
The stylish rattan organizer basket is the perfect way to discreetly store away toiletries or knickknacks, while our ivory lush bath rug adds the perfect amount of texture to your space, according to shoppers.
—Megan Schaltegger, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Oct. 2024
The Show attracts dealers, collectors and buyers, drawn by the lure of antique furniture, fine art, home decor and more, with a small representation of clothing, knickknacks and jewelry.
—Rona Berg, Forbes, 10 Oct. 2024
More is more Maximalists take note: This aesthetic is all about embracing knickknacks and personal touches.
—Hannah Baxter, Architectural Digest, 20 Sep. 2024
While chatting on the red carpet, Stephen also reflected on his recent Entertainment Weekly cover story and revealed the most treasured knickknack that resides in his Late Show office.
—EW.com, 16 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for knickknack 
Megan Schaltegger, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Oct. 2024
The Show attracts dealers, collectors and buyers, drawn by the lure of antique furniture, fine art, home decor and more, with a small representation of clothing, knickknacks and jewelry.
—Rona Berg, Forbes, 10 Oct. 2024
More is more Maximalists take note: This aesthetic is all about embracing knickknacks and personal touches.
—Hannah Baxter, Architectural Digest, 20 Sep. 2024
While chatting on the red carpet, Stephen also reflected on his recent Entertainment Weekly cover story and revealed the most treasured knickknack that resides in his Late Show office.
—EW.com, 16 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for knickknack
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.
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Cite this Entry
“Knickknack.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/knickknack. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
knickknack
noun
knick·knack
ˈnik-ˌnak 
: a small ornamental object
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