gadget

1 of 2

noun (1)

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

gadgetry

2 of 2

noun (2)

gad·​get·​ry ˈgajə̇trē 

-ri

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

Synonyms of gadget

Noun (1)

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

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

Noun

That could be cool for younger listeners who socialize often, or for travelers who like to pack light and carry one less gadget on the road. — New Atlas, 7 Oct. 2026

These gadgets work wonders for at-home maintenance between in-office treatments, or on their own as a pick-me-up—targeting everything from stubborn hair to dull skin. — Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 7 Oct. 2026

Many consumer gadgets have seen price hikes due to these effects, but the standout element here is the Nvidia Shield TV Pro’s age. — James Peckham, PC Magazine, 6 Oct. 2026

This new crop of gadgets, however, asks you to be a more active steward of other people’s privacy. — Victoria Song, The Verge, 6 Oct. 2026

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

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