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

The deal brings OpenAI into the world of hardware, and underscores the growing sense in Silicon Valley that smart AI assistants could upend the gadget world. —Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 22 May 2025

In addition to air conditioners, other gadgets can efficiently keep a home cool. —Khanh T.l. Tran, USA Today, 20 May 2025

Popular among tweens and teenagers, Five Below is known for offering a variety of merchandise including snacks, tech gadgets, beauty items and home decor, with most products priced between $1 and $5. —Marcus D. Smith, Sacbee.com, 20 May 2025

But a machine learning model designed to scour CT scans of a complex electronic gadget in production should probably run on local hardware. —Nick Burling, Forbes.com, 15 May 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