a gadget

Meanings

1. 1nouncountable

   A small tool or device, especially one that is clever or new, often electronic.

   Grammar: Countable; use 'a' before singular and add '-s' for plural.

   Patterns

   • a gadget for doing something
   • a gadget that does something
   • a kitchen gadget
   • a new gadget

   He bought a gadget that opens jars with one twist.

   This little gadget can charge your phone in ten minutes.

   She loves shopping for kitchen gadgets.

2. 2nouncountableinformal

   A small device or piece of equipment whose name the speaker does not know or has forgotten.

   Grammar: Countable; often used with 'thing' or 'whatsit' when the name is unknown.

   Patterns

   • that gadget
   • some gadget

   What's that gadget on your keychain?

   He used some gadget to open the box.

Word forms

Common combinations

kitchen gadget

A good kitchen gadget can save you time.

electronic gadget

Electronic gadgets are popular gifts.

a gadget for

This is a gadget for measuring temperature.

latest gadget

He always buys the latest gadget.

Synonyms and how they differ

device

More formal and general; a device can be large or small, while a gadget is usually small and clever.

gizmo

Informal and often humorous; a gizmo is a gadget whose name you do not know.

tool

A tool is usually used for practical work, while a gadget is often a clever or electronic item.

Word family

gadgetry noun

Gadgets as a group; often used disapprovingly.

Commonly confused: a gadget or widget?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “a gadget”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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