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

Best Amazon Prime Day Outlet Home Deals Everything from luxurious bedding to clever cleaning gadgets is marked down in Amazon’s home section today. — Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 22 June 2026

Rather than acting as a traditional instrument, Enya is pitching it as a highly portable smart music gadget for casual gatherings and campfires. — New Atlas, 21 June 2026

The story follows Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Jessie and crew as their owner Bonnie becomes addicted to her new favorite gadget, a kiddie smart tablet known as Lilypad. — Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 21 June 2026

An engineering prodigy, Harley has to get creative to survive her large family, and invents a number of gizmos and gadgets to help improve her chaotic household. — Christian Holub, Entertainment Weekly, 21 June 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