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

Shirley gets one of her compadres in Mechanical, Ossie (Michael Younis), to send Juliette further into the Down Deep using their little dumbwaiter contraption. — Noel Murray, Vulture, 24 July 2026

Sisyphus’s Worst Day Ever is a 3D puzzle game that challenges players to engineer elaborate contraptions to keep Sisyphus trapped in an endless cycle, blending dark humor, inventive puzzle design, and a playful twist on an age-old tale. — Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 23 July 2026

Above this contraption, a huge vent is hard at work, but heat and smoke still sneak into the dining room. — Elazar Sontag, Washington Post, 23 July 2026

Students are encouraged to build contraptions and innovate to solve problems. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 21 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

perhaps blend of contrivance, trap, and invention

First Known Use

circa 1825, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for contraption

• adaption
• caption

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Kids Definition

contraption

noun

con·​trap·​tion kən-ˈtrap-shən 

: device sense 1c, gadget