noun Uncommon

gimmick

GIHM-ihk

Gimmick (noun) means a clever trick, feature, or gadget used mainly to attract attention rather than add real value. Example: “The talking packaging was just a gimmick to boost sales.”

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

Word forms

gimmicked past tense, gimmicks plural, gimmicks singular

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The talking packaging was just a _____ to boost sales.

Etymology

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

· First attested 1900

Class of 1900 gimmick joined the language around 1900.

addictive Alfredo Alyssa antsy applesauce

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Synonyms

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catch device twist gizmo whatchamacallit gismo doodad widget gubbins whatsis doohickey doojigger

Related words

take thing turn view hear match technology computer

Frequently asked questions

What does “gimmick” mean?

The word “gimmick” means a clever trick, feature, or gadget used mainly to attract attention rather than add real value. In plain terms, a flashy trick or feature meant to grab attention, often implying it's more style than substance.

How do you pronounce “gimmick”?

“Gimmick” is pronounced GIHM-ihk (/ˈɡɪm.ɪk/ in IPA).

How do you use “gimmick” in a sentence?

Here is “gimmick” used in a sentence: “The talking packaging was just a gimmick to boost sales.”

What part of speech is “gimmick”?

Depending on how it is used, “gimmick” can be a noun and a verb.

Where does the word “gimmick” come from?

The word “gimmick” dates back to around 1900. Origin unclear — possibly linked to "magic" or to "gimme", first recorded in early-20th-century American carnival and stage-magic slang.

Is “gimmick” a common word?

“Gimmick” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “gimmick” have?

“Gimmick” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a clever trick, feature, or gadget used mainly to attract attention rather than add real value.

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