gimmick

1 of 2

noun

gim·​mick ˈgi-mik 

1

a

: a mechanical device for secretly and dishonestly controlling gambling apparatus

b

: an ingenious or novel mechanical device : gadget

2

a

: an important element (such as a requirement or condition) that is not immediately apparent : catch

The person on the other end of the phone said, "Doesn't that sound good?" I replied, "Yes, it does, but what's the gimmick?"

—Gwen Johnson

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

gimmicky

ˈgi-mi-kē 

adjective

gimmick

2 of 2

verb

gimmicked; gimmicking; gimmicks

transitive verb

1

: to alter or influence by means of a gimmick

2

: to provide with a gimmick

—often used with up

Synonyms of gimmick

Noun

• ruse
• scheme
• trick
• device

Examples of gimmick in a Sentence

Noun

The proposal to cut taxes was just an election gimmick to win votes.

that free dinner is just a sales gimmick to get you to listen to their sales pitch

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The idea, which requires congressional approval, has previously been dismissed by some as a gimmick. —Victoria Craw, Washington Post, 12 May 2026

The three resorts enjoyed expansion and growth throughout the 2010s by utilizing low prices, gimmicks and attractions to lure guests. —Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2026

Verb

California needs steady revenue, not gimmicks that trade short-term applause for long-term problems. —Linh Tat, Oc Register, 4 May 2026

Taproom sales surge when CCW shows up, letting patrons witness professional wrestling with larger-than-life characters and gimmicks synonymous with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). —Phillip Valys, Sun Sentinel, 11 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun and Verb

origin unknown

First Known Use

Noun

1908, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Verb

1922, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for gimmick

• mimic
• thymic
• bulimic
• metonymic
• patronymic

Kids Definition

gimmick

noun

gim·​mick

ˈgim-ik

1

a

: an ingenious scheme or device

b

: a trick or device used to attract business or attention

a marketing gimmick

2

: an important feature that is not immediately apparent

gimmicky

-i-kē

adjective