gimmick

noun

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gim·mick | \ ˈgi-mik

Definition of gimmick

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a : a mechanical device for secretly and dishonestly controlling gambling apparatus

b : an ingenious or novel mechanical device : gadget

2a : an important feature that is not immediately apparent : catch … few readers would look for a gimmick in an advertisement featuring airline schedules, but few would fail to look for the fine print in an ad announcing New Low-Price Fares.— Robert L. Heilbroner

b : an ingenious and usually new scheme or angle Even in professional careers, mere competence and craftsmanship is no substitute for a gimmick.— James Poniewozik

c : a trick or device used to attract business or attention a marketing gimmick

gimmick

verb

gimmicked; gimmicking; gimmicks

Definition of gimmick (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

1 : to alter or influence by means of a gimmick

2 : to provide with a gimmick —often used with up

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Examples of gimmick in a Sentence

Noun The proposal to cut taxes was just an election gimmick to win votes. that free magazine subscription they offer is just a sales gimmick to get you to buy their product

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun While some brands may promote gold on their ingredient list as a marketing gimmick, Mimi Luzon’s products are the only ones to trust. — Tanya Akim, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2021 The idea of edge-of-your-seat movie entertainment is something of an oxymoron, or at the very least an overrated advertising gimmick. — Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 26 May 2021 Or is this whole name change just a gimmick to engage readers? — Editorial Board, Star Tribune, 29 Apr. 2021 Crews' new Nigerian royalty gimmick has been impressive with Big E's intense personality. — Jordan Mendoza, USA TODAY, 11 Apr. 2021 That doesn’t mean a gimmick or wardrobe overhaul, either. — Blake Oestriecher, Forbes, 5 May 2021 Wilson’s would-be anthem uses current social unrest as a gimmick. — Armond White, National Review, 16 Apr. 2021 The gimmick is historically a once-a-year out, although Democrats might avail themselves of it again later this year for an infrastructure package. — Philip Elliott, Time, 8 Mar. 2021 Merely shifting tax burdens from the state to the federal level — as recent federal bailouts do — is a progressive accounting gimmick at best. — Robert J. Smullen, National Review, 7 May 2021 Recent Examples on the Web: Verb Pat Brown gimmicked the accounting system to escape raising taxes again before Republican Ronald Reagan ousted him in 1966. — Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'gimmick.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.