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What exactly is a contraption?
In the words of one Little Mermaid, “I’ve got gadgets and gizmos a-plenty.” It would have been on-theme (though perhaps a bit clunky) for the aquatic princess to include in her siren song the word contraption. Synonymous with both gadget and gizmo, and widget too, in referring to mechanical and electronic devices, contraption is also one of a raft of terms people reach for when talking about various human-made bits and bobs, whether mechanical or not. (It's thought to have possibly been formed as a blend of contrivance, trap, and invention.) Want more thingamabob words? Try doohickey, thingamajig, dingus, or doodad.
Examples of contraption in a Sentence
Caleb Jacobs, The Drive, 1 Apr. 2026
Moreover, the trim little contraption cut a wholesome figure reminiscent of a Richard Scarry book—as if a courtesy tram birthed a tiny Zamboni.
—Henry Alford, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
Some are as simple as a memory foam or contoured pillow, others are quite elaborate contraptions that keep your neck and spine in a precise position.
—Kristine Thomason, Vogue, 25 Mar. 2026
After Bradley entered the kitchen, Fieri led the chefs to the Randomizer, a contraption that selects the elements chefs must use while cooking.
—Rachel Bernhard, jsonline.com, 16 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for contraption
Cite this Entry
“Contraption.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contraption. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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contraption
noun
