noun

gimmick

GIHM-ihk

noun

A clever trick, feature, or gadget used mainly to attract attention rather than add real value.

"The talking packaging was just a gimmick to boost sales."

"Critics said the film's 3D effects were a gimmick with no real purpose."

verb

To fit or rig something with a hidden trick or device.

"The magician had gimmicked the deck so the trick card always came out on top."

How to Use Gimmick

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA flashy trick or feature meant to grab attention, often implying it's more style than substance.

When to use it

Usually slightly negative — calling something a gimmick suggests it's shallow or a sales trick.

Common pairings

marketing gimmick just a gimmick gimmick to attract attention

gimmicked past tense, gimmicks plural, gimmicks singular

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.

Can you complete this real example?

The talking packaging was just a _____ to boost sales.

Origin unclear — possibly linked to "magic" or to "gimme", first recorded in early-20th-century American carnival and stage-magic slang.