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.
The company is working on smart home gadgets, robots, AirPods with AI cameras, and other new categories of devices, according to reports as well as snippets recently found in a beta version of MacOS. — Kif Leswing, CNBC, 1 Sep. 2026 Veteran Emari Demercado should start the season as the third-down passing back, with Brashard Smith mixing in as a gadget piece and kick returner. — Kansas City Star, 29 Aug. 2026 Here is what these gadgets claim to do and what gastroenterologists say about trusting the results. — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Aug. 2026 But this year’s keynote will be about more than just new gadgets. — Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 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

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Browse Nearby Words

gadge
gadget
gadgeteer
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Cite this Entry

“Gadget.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gadget. Accessed 2 Sep. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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