gimmick

noun gim·mick \ ˈgi-mik \

|Updated on: 16 Aug 2018

Examples: gimmick in a Sentence

Definition of gimmick

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

b : an ingenious or novel mechanical device : gadget

2 a : 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

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gimmicky

play \ˈgi-mi-kē\ adjective

See gimmick defined for English-language learners

See gimmick defined for kids

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

The two spoke about mental health, gimmicks and when a comedian can stop being afraid of bombing.

— trevor fraser, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Maria Bamford talks comedy ahead of show at The Plaza Live," 10 July 2018
These poetical explanations were nice but unnecessary for a collection that didn’t need any gimmicks to impress.

— thomas adamson, The Seattle Times, "Chanel recreates Paris for couture show celebrating the city," 3 July 2018
Some strategists suggested leaving Washington behind, even though the Senate was still in session, and have one lawmaker stick around to gum-up the process with objections and procedural gimmicks.

— philip elliott, Time, "Here's the Real Reason Mitch McConnell Canceled August Recess," 5 June 2018
Each production is firmly grounded in the period in which it is set: Mr Dodin has no truck with anachronistic costumes or gimmicks.

— The Economist, "A great Russian director brings history to life on stage," 17 May 2018
Though he was elected, the student body wasn't unanimously in favor of the gimmick.

— marissa miller, Teen Vogue, "UC Berkeley Student Senate Adds Student Who Campaigned as Squirrel “Furry Boi”," 24 Apr. 2018
Though that might sound like just another gimmick, the sequence is executed with a light touch and the stories given with an unflinching direct-to-camera delivery that makes a significant impact.

— joanna robinson, HWD, "How 13 Reasons Why Successfully Grapples with the #MeToo Movement," 19 May 2018
In reality, though, Mac Rebennack was in exactly the right place at precisely the right time, and with the right gimmick and the perfect set of musical skills, to forge a national profile as Dr. John.

— mike scott, NOLA.com, "Just what the (voodoo) doctor ordered: Or, how Mac Rebennack become Dr. John," 5 May 2018
The driving gimmick is meant to convey a sense of accessible authenticity—someone caught by the camera in a workaday moment.

— james hohmann, Washington Post, "The Daily 202: Why Mark Zuckerberg is embracing more regulation of political ads on Facebook," 10 Apr. 2018

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.