whatsit
That unnamed thing
A whatsit is a thing whose name you can't remember or don't know: Hand me that whatsit over there.
It serves as a placeholder noun when the actual word escapes you.
Variants include whatchamacallit, thingamajig, and doohickey.
Placeholder word for objects
- thingyPlaceholder for forgotten nouns
- thingummyPlaceholder for forgotten names
- doodadUnnamed small object
- whatsisPlaceholder for forgotten name
so-and-so · such-and-such · thingamabob · watchamacallit · dingus · gubbins · oojah
Nameless mechanical device
- widgetUnspecified small device
- gadgetNovel small device
- contraptionImprovised or odd mechanism
- deviceConstructed tool or machine
apparatus · mechanism · implement · tool · instrument · appliance · rig · gear
doohickey
Placeholder word for objects
- thingyPlaceholder for forgotten nouns
- thingummyPlaceholder for forgotten names
- doodadUnnamed small object
whatsis · so-and-so · such-and-such · thingamabob · watchamacallit · dingus · gubbins · oojah
gizmo
Nameless mechanical device
- widgetUnspecified small device
- gadgetNovel small device
- contraptionImprovised or odd mechanism
device · apparatus · mechanism · implement · tool · instrument · appliance · rig · gear · machine
knickknack
Small decorative object
gewgaw · bibelot · curio · novelty · ornament · bric-a-brac · fandangle · collectible · memento · souvenir
- placeholder wordsthingy, doohickey, doodad, thingamabob, thingummy
- thingamajigsthingamabob, doohickey, doodad, gizmo, thingy
- placeholdersplaceholder, bar, blank, dummy, filler
- gadgetssmartphone, gadget, gizmos, widget, tablet
whatsitproper noun
Named person or place
technical term · official name · nomenclature · brand name · scientific name