gizmo

/ˈgɪzmoʊ/

/ˈgɪzməʊ/

Other forms: gizmos

A gizmo is a device used for a specific job. A vacuum is a gizmo that cleans the floor.

While gizmo often means an unknown object — like a thingamajig — a gizmo is any device that gets a job done. A phone is a gizmo for talking to people. A stove is a gizmo that cooks food. A hammer is a gizmo that pounds in nails. Gizmos are all man-made: a plant or animal can't be a gizmo. If you want to be an inventor, come up with an original gizmo.

Definitions of gizmo

1. noun

   a small mechanical device or tool
   synonyms: appliance, contraption, contrivance, convenience, gadget, gismo, widget

   types:

   gadgetry

   appliances collectively

   gimbal

   an appliance that allows an object (such as a ship's compass) to remain horizontal even as its support tips

   injector

   a contrivance for injecting (e.g., water into the boiler of a steam engine or particles into an accelerator etc.)

   mod con

   modern convenience; the appliances and conveniences characteristic of a modern house

   type of:

   device

   an instrumentality invented for a particular purpose
2. noun

   something unspecified whose name is either forgotten or not known
   “there may be some great new gizmo around the corner that you will want to use”

   synonyms: doodad, doohickey, doojigger, gimmick, gismo, gubbins, hootenanny, thingamabob, thingamajig, thingmabob, thingmajig, thingumabob, thingumajig, thingummy, whatchamacallit, whatchamacallum, whatsis, widget

   type of:

   stuff

   miscellaneous unspecified objects