gadget

noun

gad·​get ˈga-jət How to pronounce gadget (audio)
: an often small mechanical or electronic device with a practical use but often thought of as a novelty
gadgetry noun
gadgety adjective

Examples of gadget in a Sentence

The kitchen is equipped with all the latest gadgets. cell phones, pagers, and other gadgets
Recent Examples on the Web High-quality cookware and gadgets make all the difference in the kitchen, and right now, so many essential items are marked down ahead of Black Friday. Claire Harmeyer, Peoplemag, 18 Nov. 2023 From cutting-edge technology gadgets that redefine convenience to practical solutions for everyday home challenges, each of these products are carefully selected for its wow factor. Mia Meltzer, Rolling Stone, 17 Nov. 2023 The French may have first invented French onion soup, but Southerners are revolutionizing this classic dish with the help of one of our favorite kitchen gadgets: the slow cooker. Melissa Gray, Southern Living, 15 Nov. 2023 Khalid has covered tech, surveillance policy, consumer gadgets, and online communities for more than a decade. Amrita Khalid, The Verge, 14 Nov. 2023 In her experience, pals are thrilled to receive the gadget that can heat two 70-inch towels (or other knits, like blankets and robes) to a comfortable, toasty temperature. Sarah Grossbart, wsj.com, 14 Nov. 2023 The kitchen gadget gives these lemon and honey-glazed Brussels sprouts a beautifully brown and crispy exterior. Anna Luisa Rodriguez, Washington Post, 14 Nov. 2023 In 1945, when Oppenheimer's gadget blew up about 60 miles to the northwest, Tularosa residents reported being knocked to the ground. Abe Streep, Scientific American, 10 Nov. 2023 From tech gadgets to fashion finds, this list has got it all. Samantha Booth, Rolling Stone, 6 Nov. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'gadget.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

perhaps a sound-symbolic coinage, with final as in fidget entry 1, midget, idjit (nonstandard form of idiot)

First Known Use

1886, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gadget was in 1886

Dictionary Entries Near gadget

Cite this Entry

“Gadget.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gadget. Accessed 29 Nov. 2023.

Kids Definition

gadget

noun
gad·​get ˈgaj-ət How to pronounce gadget (audio)
: an interesting, unfamiliar, or unusual device with a practical use
gadgetry noun

More from Merriam-Webster on gadget

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