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 of contraption

• gadget

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

Its smaller size makes the Gallardo easier to use on real-world roads, while conventional doors—rather than unwieldy scissor-style contraptions—allow normal ingress/egress, and once inside, even tall drivers can see and function with relative ease. —Robert Ross, Robb Report, 21 Nov. 2025

An eight-foot-long contraption helps slowly drizzle the water. —Jesse Sarles, CBS News, 21 Nov. 2025

When a rebellion erupts between Earth and its colonies, the ensuing conflict is fought by pilots in massive mechanized contraptions known as mobile suits. —Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 21 Nov. 2025

One group is riding a vehicle equipped with a strange cage-like contraption. —Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 16 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

perhaps blend of contrivance, trap, and invention

First Known Use

circa 1825, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for contraption

• adaption
• aptian
• caption

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Kids Definition

contraption

noun

con·​trap·​tion kən-ˈtrap-shən 

: device sense 1c, gadget