gadget
gaj-iht
Gadget (noun) means a small mechanical or electronic device, especially a clever or useful one. Example: “He collects kitchen gadgets he barely ever uses.”
noun
1
A small mechanical or electronic device, especially a clever or useful one.
"He collects kitchen gadgets he barely ever uses."
"The new phone has a gadget that scans documents."
2
A general word for a device or gizmo whose exact name someone can't recall.
"Pass me that little gadget for opening jars."
How to use gadget
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA small device, especially a clever or novelty one — often electronic.
Common pairings
tech gadget
kitchen gadget
handy gadget
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Word forms
- Plural
- gadgets
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He collects kitchen _____ he barely ever uses.
Etymology
Origin unclear, first recorded in print in 1886; possibly linked to a French word for a small tool, or to the surname of a French industrialist connected with promotional trinkets for the Statue of Liberty project.
Class of 1886
gadget joined the language around 1886.
See the full Class of 1886 →
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “gadget” mean?
The word “gadget” means a small mechanical or electronic device, especially a clever or useful one. In plain terms, a small device, especially a clever or novelty one — often electronic.
How do you pronounce “gadget”?
“Gadget” is pronounced gaj-iht (/ɡæd͡ʒ.ɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “gadget” in a sentence?
Here is “gadget” used in a sentence: “He collects kitchen gadgets he barely ever uses.”
What is another word for “gadget”?
Words with a similar meaning to “gadget” include contraption, contrivance, doohickey, gizmo and widget.
What part of speech is “gadget”?
“Gadget” is a noun.
Where does the word “gadget” come from?
The word “gadget” dates back to around 1886 and comes from French. Origin unclear, first recorded in print in 1886; possibly linked to a French word for a small tool, or to the surname of a French industrialist connected with promotional trinkets for the Statue of Liberty project.
Is “gadget” a common word?
“Gadget” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
How many meanings does “gadget” have?
“Gadget” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a small mechanical or electronic device, especially a clever or useful one.
