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Definition of gimmicky

gimmicky

/ˈɡɪm.ɪ.ki/
gim · mick · y
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gimmicky Lexical Profile

gimmicky Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Relying on superficial novelties, clever tricks, or flashy features to attract attention rather than offering genuine quality or substance.

Example

"Critics dismissed the restaurant's smoke-filled dessert presentation as overly gimmicky and distracting from the actual flavor."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for gimmicky

• Nearby Words

gimme
gimmick
gimmickry
gimmicky
gimp
gimpy
gin

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the mid-20th century by adding the adjective suffix '-y' to 'gimmick', an American slang term from the 1920s originally referring to a secret device used by carnival operators to rig a game, possibly an anagram of 'magic'.

Cite this Entry

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