gadget

noun

gad·​get ˈga-jət 

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

gadgetry

ˈga-jə-trē 

noun

gadgety

ˈga-jə-tē 

adjective

Synonyms of gadget

• tool
• appliance
• gizmo
• contraption
• widget
• accessory
• mechanism
• innovation

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

Minnesota doesn’t tend to design many gadget-style packages, but Bell offers a fascinating blend of size and speed that could cause complications for defenses. —Alec Lewis, New York Times, 4 May 2026

Such gadgets ended up affecting restful sleep. —Shirl Leigh may 03, New Atlas, 3 May 2026

The announcement and subsequent end-of-life status of the Connect didn’t sit too well with some users, especially those who had bought their gadgets a few months before. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2026

When Anthropic released an update to its flagship product in November, AI seemed to cross some invisible threshold between interesting gadget and life-changing technology. —Rogé Karma, The Atlantic, 1 May 2026

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

Rhymes for gadget

• areopagite

Kids Definition

gadget

noun

gad·​get ˈgaj-ət 

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

gadgetry

ˈgaj-ə-trē 

noun