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 sums—W. A. Noyes, born 1898
2
: gadgets
a world of mechanical gadgetry—A. C. Fisher
the marvels of modern gadgetry that could reduce hard work to a minimum of effort—James Aldredge
labor-saving gadgetry—J. 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
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Noun
The power of each port (four USB-C, one USB-A) varies depending on how many gadgets are plugged in, up to 160W total. — Cameron Faulkner, The Verge, 21 Oct. 2026 The company has expanded beyond social networking and sells consumer gadgets, including smart glasses, that have also raised privacy concerns after allegations that people are being recorded without their knowledge. — Queenie Wong, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2026 That’s a hefty price tag, especially at a time when consumers have so many other gadgets, from smartphones to wearable AI devices competing for their dollars. — Sebastian Herrera, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026 Conan O’Brien introduced Swift’s performance—O’Brian and Swift both worked on Toy Story 5, with O’Brien voicing the film’s potty training gadget Smarty Pants. — Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 18 Oct. 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 28 Oct. 2026.

Kids Definition

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