thingumabob
That unnamed thing
Thingumabob is a placeholder word for an object whose name you can't recall or don't know: Hand me that thingumabob over there.
It belongs to a family of similar substitutes—thingamajig, whatchamacallit, doohickey—all serving the same function of letting speech continue when a specific noun escapes you.
Placeholder word for objects
- whatnotUnspecified additional items
- whatsitPlaceholder for forgotten names
- doodadUnnamed small object
- gizmoNameless mechanical device
widget · gadget · contraption · so-and-so · thingy · dingus · gubbins · wotsit
Novel small device
- deviceConstructed tool or machine
- gizmoNameless mechanical device
- widgetUnspecified small device
- contraptionImprovised or odd mechanism
apparatus · mechanism · implement · tool · instrument · utensil · appliance · accessory
Improvise temporary repair
- kludgeAwkward but functional solution
- stopgapTemporary substitute measure
- patch-upTemporary, imperfect repair
- cobbleWorn stone for paths
MacGyver · improvisation · workaround · bodge · lash-up · hack
doohickey
Placeholder word for objects
gizmo · widget · gadget · contraption · so-and-so · thingy · dingus · gubbins · wotsit · watchamacallit
gadget
Novel small device
contraption · apparatus · mechanism · implement · tool · instrument · utensil · appliance · accessory · equipment
jury-rig
Improvise temporary repair
- kludgeAwkward but functional solution
- stopgapTemporary substitute measure
- patch-upTemporary, imperfect repair
cobble · MacGyver · improvisation · workaround · bodge · lash-up · hack
forgetfulness
Failure to retain information
- blankWithout marks or content
thingumabobproper noun
Named person or place
technical term · scientific name · mot juste · known quantity · brand name