Meaning & use

contraption

noun·Everyday

Last updated

A machine or device that appears strange, complicated, or improvised.

See it in a sentence

He built a bizarre contraption out of bicycle parts to water the garden automatically.

The kids laughed at the wobbly contraption meant to launch water balloons.

A note on using this word

Carries a slightly humorous or skeptical tone, implying the device looks unreliable rather than sleek or professional.

Words with a similar meaning

gadgetdevice

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

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