gadget

noun

gad·​get ˈga-jət 

: an often small mechanical or electronic device with a practical use but often thought of as a novelty

gadgetry

ˈga-jə-trē 

noun

gadgety

ˈga-jə-tē 

adjective

Synonyms

• tool
• appliance
• gizmo
• contraption
• widget
• accessory
• mechanism
• innovation
• gismo

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

As for Elite World Group’s partnership with Asia Kingston, this also extends to the development of tech gadgets, encompassing the likes of earphones, headphones, portable speakers, smartwatches and power banks. —Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2025

As gadgets are replaced faster, global e-waste is growing five times quicker than it’s formally recycled. —Dave Smith, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2025

The OnePedal is currently being crowdfunded on Kickstarter, where the gadget is being discounted from expected $550 retail price down to $499 at the time of writing. —Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 20 Oct. 2025

While most of us on the plane were in this same unexpected predicament, a passenger nearby didn't seem to be sharing in our misery thanks to a compact gadget propped up their phone to the perfect viewing height. —Anita Katee, Travel + Leisure, 18 Oct. 2025

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

Rhymes for gadget

• areopagite

Kids Definition

gadget

noun

gad·​get ˈgaj-ət 

: an interesting, unfamiliar, or unusual device with a practical use

gadgetry

ˈgaj-ə-trē 

noun