Definition of gimmick
1a : a mechanical device for secretly and dishonestly controlling gambling apparatusb : 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. Heilbronerb : an ingenious and usually new scheme or angle Even in professional careers, mere competence and craftsmanship is no substitute for a gimmick. — James Poniewozikc : a trick or device used to attract business or attention a marketing gimmick
Explore Merriam-Webster
Examples of gimmick in a Sentence
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 of gimmick from the Web
-
Loewenstine said the bottom line is P&G investors want to see sales growth again and any other announcement by the company will be seen as a gimmick to distract them.
-
My roofing company's not a gimmick and this baby's not either.
-
Voting, which runs through 4 p.m. Thursday, is marked by social-media campaigns and other gimmicks.
-
Crash Bandicoot 1, 2, and 3 rely heavily on rehashed levels that have players return, again and again, to the same gimmick or twist with only slight changes or jumps in difficulty.
-
But because of an accounting gimmick, the Senate bill guts Medicaid much more drastically over the long-term than the House bill.
-
Some may have written off Oakley's success as just a gimmick, a woman managing to get by in a distinctly man's setting.
-
Each of her three desserts sang, without gimmicks or even the help of LCD Soundsystem.
-
The other enticement to woo movie patrons, especially women, was a promotional gimmick very popular during these same Great Depression years, which promised a cup or dish to anyone who purchased a movie ticket.
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.
Origin and Etymology of gimmick
origin unknown
Origin and Etymology of gimmick
see 1gimmick
GIMMICK Defined for English Language Learners
gimmick
playDefinition of gimmick for English Language Learners
-
: a method or trick that is used to get people's attention or to sell something
GIMMICK Defined for Kids
gimmick
playDefinition of gimmick for Students
: a method or trick used to get people's attention or to sell something
Learn More about gimmick
-
See words that rhyme with gimmick Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for gimmick Spanish Central: Translation of gimmick Nglish: Translation of gimmick for Spanish speakers
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up gimmick? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!