contraption

noun

con·​trap·​tion kən-ˈtrap-shən How to pronounce contraption (audio)

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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.

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
No one has seen the seventh kind, the fearsome Night Fury, until Hiccup manages to knock one out of the sky with a homemade bola contraption. Peter Debruge, Variety, 9 June 2025 The robot contraption all hooks up to a motor that Williams controls from a nearby desk. Liam Tharme, New York Times, 8 June 2025 But on designer Lauren Nichols’ set, Salvador has a Rube Goldberg contraption to aid him in his quest to recall what matters most. Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 5 June 2025 Among the items up for grabs during a June 18 Julien’s auction are the usual collection of directorial detritus — film reels, cameras, typewriters — but also an eye-popping lineup of drip machines and espresso contraptions. Benjamin Svetkey, HollywoodReporter, 3 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for contraption

Word History

Etymology

perhaps blend of contrivance, trap, and invention

First Known Use

circa 1825, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of contraption was circa 1825

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Cite this Entry

“Contraption.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contraption. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

contraption

noun
con·​trap·​tion kən-ˈtrap-shən How to pronounce contraption (audio)

More from Merriam-Webster on contraption

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