gadget

1 of 2

noun (1)

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

gadgetry

2 of 2

noun (2)

gad·​get·​ry ˈgajə̇trē 

-ri

plural -es

1

: gadgeteering

the gadgetry of science costs huge sums

—W. A. Noyes, born 1898

2

: gadgets

a world of mechanical gadgetry

—A. C. Fisher

the marvels of modern gadgetry that could reduce hard work to a minimum of effort

—James Aldredge

labor-saving gadgetry

—J. I. Rodale

Synonyms of gadget

Noun (1)

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

Examples of gadget in a Sentence

Noun (1)

The kitchen is equipped with all the latest gadgets.

cell phones, pagers, and other gadgets

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Accessories and gadgets galore bolster the film’s sci-fi classification, but the film’s framing adds visual variety. — Cortlyn Kelly, IndieWire, 8 Sep. 2026

About Our Expert Experience Rob Pegoraro writes about interesting problems and possibilities in computers, gadgets, apps, services, telecom, and other things that beep or blink. — Rob Pegoraro, PC Magazine, 7 Sep. 2026

Best Last-Chance Amazon Home Labor Day Sales Give your home a refresh with last-minute deals on fresh cozy bedding, cleaning gadgets, and décor. — Isabel Garcia, PEOPLE, 6 Sep. 2026

Oral healthcare doesn’t often make the global news cycle, but earlier this week Dyson added a new gadget to its product lineup that inspired a flurry of headlines. — Elizabeth Gulino, Allure, 4 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

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

First Known Use

Noun (1)

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