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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
Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 25 Feb. 2026
The Nasher includes one of John Chamberlain’s sculptures assembled from twisted metal parts, and a motorized Jean Tinguely contraption of miscellaneous rusty metal bits.
—Scott Cantrell, Dallas Morning News, 21 Feb. 2026
These genius contraptions help remove moisture from the air and can make a big difference in cooling down the house.
—Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 20 Feb. 2026
It was dropped off, fully assembled, by a delivery man who wanted no help bringing the sturdy, practical contraption all the way up from the street to their home.
—Mirjam Swanson, Oc Register, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for contraption
Cite this Entry
“Contraption.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contraption. Accessed 1 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
contraption
noun
