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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The toy will be priced at 55 euros; items in the capsule collection will cost between 45 euros and 200 euros, while gadgets will mark the entry price to the project starting to retail at 9.99 euros. Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 16 July 2025 The field has been caught between academic explorations lacking real-world applicability and consumer gadgets lacking scientific rigor. Thorsten Zander, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025 Apple’s smart home hub is rumored to be an iPad-like device designed to interact with all of your gadgets in a similar way to a Google Nest speaker or Amazon Echo. PC Magazine, 14 July 2025 Sadly for some, this signals the end for Zigbee support, as Ikea plans to replace its Zigbee gadgets with Matter devices. Julian Chokkattu, Wired News, 12 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for gadget

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Gadget.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gadget. Accessed 24 Jul. 2025.

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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