whatnot
whatnot Lexical Profile
whatnot Game Scores & Validity
• pronoun
Any other unspecified things of a similar kind; et cetera (used informally at the end of a list).
"We packed sleeping bags, lanterns, snacks, and whatnot for the weekend camping trip."
• noun
An unspecified small item, ornament, or miscellaneous object; a knick-knack.
"The mantelpiece was cluttered with porcelain figurines and other dusty whatnots."
A light, open stand with several tiers of shelves used for displaying small ornaments, china, or curios.
"A carved mahogany whatnot stood in the corner of the Victorian parlor, displaying seashells and miniature portraits."
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Formed in the mid-16th century from the elliptical phrase 'what may I not say?', originally used at the end of a list to mean 'everything else'. The furniture sense emerged in the early 19th century because such stands were designed to hold miscellaneous knick-knacks.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.