Synonyms of gadget
: an often small mechanical or electronic device with a practical use but often thought of as a novelty

gadgetry

2 of 2

noun (2)

plural -es
1
: gadgeteering
the gadgetry of science costs huge sumsW. A. Noyes, born 1898
2
: gadgets
a world of mechanical gadgetryA. C. Fisher
the marvels of modern gadgetry that could reduce hard work to a minimum of effortJames Aldredge
labor-saving gadgetryJ. I. Rodale

Examples of gadget in a Sentence

Noun (1) 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.
Noun
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

Noun (1)

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

First Known Use

Noun (1)

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 7 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

: an interesting, unfamiliar, or unusual device with a practical use

More from Merriam-Webster on gadget

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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