gadget

noun

gad·​get ˈga-jət How to pronounce gadget (audio)
: an often small mechanical or electronic device with a practical use but often thought of as a novelty
gadgetry noun
gadgety adjective

Examples of gadget in a Sentence

The kitchen is equipped with all the latest gadgets. cell phones, pagers, and other gadgets
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Kodak Mobile Film Scanner Amazon 10 Kodak Mobile Film Scanner $35 Amazon $35 Nordstrom The family archivist will appreciate this handy little gadget, which scans old negatives and saves them straight to your giftee’s iPhone or Android. Jessica Kasparian, SELF, 5 Nov. 2024 Last year the agency also launched a podcast called CISA Live, whose monthly episodes offer the same message alongside discussions of Chinese cyber threats and advice on what gadgets to buy as gifts for the holidays. Simon Shuster, TIME, 2 Nov. 2024 Impress him this holiday with the best gadgets, games, gift sets, and more. Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 1 Nov. 2024 Slake Your Thirst Photograph: Simon Hill Happy & Polly Gothic Cat Water Fountain $60 $50 at Amazon Our final spooky gadget from Happy & Polly was the Ghost Drinking Fountain. Simon Hill, WIRED, 31 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for gadget 

Word History

Etymology

perhaps a sound-symbolic coinage, with final as in fidget entry 1, midget, idjit (nonstandard form of idiot)

First Known Use

1886, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gadget was in 1886

Dictionary Entries Near gadget

Cite this Entry

“Gadget.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gadget. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

gadget

noun
gad·​get ˈgaj-ət How to pronounce gadget (audio)
: an interesting, unfamiliar, or unusual device with a practical use
gadgetry noun

More from Merriam-Webster on gadget

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