gadget
Clever little device
A gadget is a small mechanical or electronic device, typically one that's clever or novel: kitchen gadgets, the latest tech gadgets.
The word often implies something useful but not essential—a tool for a specific task that you could probably manage without.
Gadget carries a hint of novelty or gimmickry, distinguishing it from more serious equipment.
Powered household device
- toolDevice for a task
- instrumentDevice for specific tasks
- apparatusEquipment for a task
- contraptionImprovised or odd mechanism
mechanism · utensil · implement · equipment · machine · hardware · accessory · gear
Study of circuits
- microchipMiniature semiconductor processor
- processorComponent that executes instructions
- circuitryInterconnected electronic components
- digitalOf discrete data
connectivity · sensor · touchscreen · wireless · smart · interface · battery-operated · rechargeable
Designed for palm use
- compactTightly packed together
- pocket-sizedSmall enough to carry
- mobileCapable of movement
- lightweightLacking mass or importance
cordless · travel-friendly · foldable · wearable · collapsible · clip-on · keychain · mini
New device or method
- prototypeFirst functional specimen
- patentObvious; inventor's monopoly
- cutting-edgeAt innovation's forefront
- breakthroughSudden important advance
ingenious · inventive · futuristic · design · startup · crowdfunded · Kickstarter · beta
appliance
Powered household device
- toolDevice for a task
- instrumentDevice for specific tasks
- apparatusEquipment for a task
contraption · mechanism · utensil · implement · equipment · machine · hardware · accessory · gear · kit
electronics
Study of circuits
- microchipMiniature semiconductor processor
- processorComponent that executes instructions
- circuitryInterconnected electronic components
digital · connectivity · sensor · touchscreen · wireless · smart · interface · battery-operated · rechargeable · USB
handheld
Designed for palm use
- compactTightly packed together
- pocket-sizedSmall enough to carry
- mobileCapable of movement
lightweight · cordless · travel-friendly · foldable · wearable · collapsible · clip-on · keychain · mini · personal
invention
New device or method
- prototypeFirst functional specimen
- patentObvious; inventor's monopoly
- cutting-edgeAt innovation's forefront
breakthrough · ingenious · inventive · futuristic · design · startup · crowdfunded · Kickstarter · beta · next-gen
trinket
Small worthless ornament
- knickknackSmall decorative object
- baubleShowy, worthless ornament
- curioOdd collectible item
collectible · tchotchke · novelty · souvenir · gimcrack · toy · plaything · curiosity · oddity · conversation piece
- technologyelectronics, computing, computer, internet, social media
- techygizmo, device, app, chip, code
- thingamajigsthingamajig, thingamabob, whatchamacallit, doohickey, doodad
- objectsbasket, bowl, bucket, jar, jug
- Tecnologiasoftware, hardware, internet, computadora, digital
- thingsthing, object, item, stuff, article
gadgetprimitive tool
Basic early-era instrument
hand tool · blunt instrument · stick · rock · implement
gadgetornament
Thing that beautifies
decoration · paperweight · idle · knickknack · tchotchke
- kitchen gadgetSmall cooking aid
- Inspector Gadget
- spy gadgetsHidden devices for surveillance
- gadget freak
- small gadgetCompact mechanical device
- gadget loverOne passionate about devices