Search Dictionary
Definition of thingumabob

thingumabob

/ˈθɪŋ.ə.məˌbɑːb/
thing · u · ma · bob
Plural:thingumabobs
JUMP TO:

thingumabob Lexical Profile

thingumabob Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

British A person or object whose exact name one has forgotten, does not know, or does not wish to mention.

Example

"Could you hand me that little metal thingumabob sitting on the workbench?"

Synonyms
View all synonyms for thingumabob

Word Nuance & Usage

Used exclusively in informal speech as a placeholder noun; 'thingumabob' is preferred in British English, while 'thingamabob' is the standard spelling in American English.

• Rhymes for thingumabob

• Nearby Words

thing
thingamabob
thingamajig
thingumabob
thingumajig
thingumbob
thingummy

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the mid-18th century as a playful, fanciful elaboration of the Old English word 'thing', likely influenced by the surname 'Thingum' used for an unspecified person.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Thingumabob. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/thingumabob
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.