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.
Why Trust Southern Living Amanda Ogle is a writer for Southern Living who writes product reviews across a range of categories, including travel gear, kitchen gadgets, organization, crafting, home decor, furniture, and fashion. Amanda Ogle, Southern Living, 11 Mar. 2025 The Restore 3 is a sunrise alarm and a sound machine all rolled into one gadget. Louryn Strampe, WIRED, 10 Mar. 2025 The rise of Internet of Things gadgets has transformed our living spaces into hubs of digital convenience. Alex Vakulov, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025 David Schaper Housewares industry insiders had hoped to spend their time at the International Housewares Association's big annual Inspired Home Show in Chicago this week networking, making deals and showing off the latest gadgets and devices to make home life more convenient. David Schaper, NPR, 6 Mar. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Gadget.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gadget. Accessed 15 Mar. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!