gadget

noun

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

Synonyms of gadget

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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.
John was pretty stocked in terms of the gadgets. — Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 28 June 2026 Herbert's wager is that the first few expensive accidents change that math, and that the extreme case is not really about gadgets at all. — Boaz Sobrado, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 In other words, AI companies and consumer gadget makers are now competing for parts from the same broader supply chain. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 27 June 2026 Others had a tight, considered design, especially the islands meant to highlight a specific weapon or gadget. — Jordan Minor, PC Magazine, 30 June 2026 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

Rhymes for gadget

See All Rhymes for gadget

Browse Nearby Words

gadge
gadget
gadgeteer
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Gadget.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gadget. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

gadget

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

More from Merriam-Webster on gadget

Nglish: Translation of gadget for Spanish Speakers

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