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Definition of gadget

gadget

/ˈɡædʒ.ɪt/
gad · get
Plural:gadgets
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gadget Lexical Profile

gadget Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A small mechanical or electronic device or tool, especially an ingenious or novel one.

Example

"The store was filled with clever kitchen gadgets designed to make meal preparation faster."

2

A small software application or component that provides a specific, self-contained function on a computer desktop or webpage.

Example

"He installed a weather gadget on his computer's home screen to easily check the daily forecast."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for gadget

• Rhymes for gadget

• Nearby Words

gaborone
gac
gadfly
gadget
gadgetry
gadgety
gadwall

Word Origin & Etymology

Originated in the late 19th century, likely as sailors' slang for any small mechanism or part they could not name. It is possibly derived from the French word 'gâchette', meaning the catch of a lock or a piece of a mechanism.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Gadget. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/gadget
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