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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
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
Cite this Entry
“Contraption.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contraption. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.
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contraption
noun
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