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

• appliance
• contraption
• contrivance
• gimmick
• gizmo
• gismo
• jigger
• widget

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

This is a fantastic option for anyone looking for a compact gadget that can whip up different types of frozen treats. —Laura Denby, Peoplemag, 28 Mar. 2024

Current devices are excluded from the ban, which only applies to gadgets manufactured after January 1st, 2025. —Jess Weatherbed, The Verge, 27 Mar. 2024

Small electronic gadgets such as toys, vacuum cleaners and e-cigarettes had particularly low recycling rates at around 12%, despite making up roughly a third of all e-waste, the report found. —Rachel Ramirez, CNN, 20 Mar. 2024

Shoppers can take advantage of so many amazing deals, from household essentials, seasonal finds, high-tech gadgets, and so much more. —Sarah Yang, Sunset Magazine, 20 Mar. 2024

This handy gadget contains 14 hours of playing time off of a single charge and simply connects to your phone via Bluetooth to enjoy your favorite sleep sounds (or in my case, Lana Del Rey playlist) without ever dealing with uncomfortable earbuds. —Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 20 Mar. 2024

Sometimes a more focused kind of gadget is the one that’s easiest to embrace. —Chris Velazco, Washington Post, 15 Mar. 2024

Now through March 25, Amazon is running a 56-percent-off sale on this popular $43 gadget, and with the additional 35 percent on-site coupon, that brings the price down to just $12 in black. —Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 22 Mar. 2024

Enforcers and legislators have long expressed concern that by rigidly curating users’ experiences on the iPhone and its other gadgets, Apple has excluded rivals from its ecosystem — giving the company an unfair leg up on competitors. —Perry Stein, Washington Post, 21 Mar. 2024

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

Kids Definition

gadget

noun

gad·​get ˈgaj-ət 

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

gadgetry

ˈgaj-ə-trē 

noun