gimmick

noun

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

Other Words from gimmick Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about gimmick

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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

But Ho is careful to note that the focus on wellness shouldn’t be downplayed as a trend or marketing gimmick. — Christina Pérez, Vogue, "The New Cannabis Companies Want to Give You a “Wellness Experience”," 20 Apr. 2019 Laser Ops Pro, meanwhile, implies a fleet of functionally identical, functionally perfect laser beam blasters with some gimmicks peppered in for flavor. — Eric Limer, Popular Mechanics, "Nerf's Laser Tag Guns Are Cool, But They Lose What Makes Nerf Great," 17 July 2018 This was a show that reset its protagonist’s consciousness every few episodes, one that seemed more interested in structural gimmicks than in creating a story or characters worth getting invested in. — Todd Vanderwerff, Vox, "Westworld season 2 takes cues from The Walking Dead — and it kinda, sorta works," 18 Apr. 2018 But Due Process delivers on destructible levels, weird level-specific gimmicks (lights that can be disabled, armored windows), and satisfying military-grade weaponry. — Sam Machkovech, Ars Technica, "The 16 surprising new games that made PAX West an absolute blast," 9 Sep. 2018 Wrestler John Jermany had a question, and Foley responded, discussing personas, gimmicks with another visual demonstration. — Jim Varsallone, miamiherald, "This WWE Hall of Famer makes surprise visit to a local pro wrestling training center | Miami Herald," 2 Apr. 2018 But one of the surest reasons for the film's success is its central gimmick: a modern horror film with next-to-no dialogue. — Simon Abrams, The Hollywood Reporter, "Did 'A Quiet Place' Take Enough Risks?," 16 Apr. 2018 But in actuality, the WWE could trot out the Gobbledy Gooker or the Bunny or Kane reprising his Isaac Yankem gimmick as Strowman’s partner. — The Editors Of Gq, GQ, "WrestleMania 34 Is Going to Be a Goddang Blast," 6 Apr. 2018 This is perhaps why Paige’s interest in Christianity in earlier seasons didn’t feel like a gimmick designed to develop her character. — Todd Vanderwerff, Vox, "Farewell to The Americans, TV’s most (accidentally) relevant show," 28 Mar. 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.