Doohickey - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
A doohickey is a casual term for an object whose name is unknown or forgotten. It is often used to refer to a small, unimportant, or unfamiliar gadget or part.
Definition:
A small, unspecified gadget or object whose name is unknown or forgotten.
Synonyms:
gadget, widget, gizmo, thingamajig
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
essential item, necessity
Common Collocations:
handy doohickey, broken doohickey, missing doohickey
Derivatives:
doohickeys (plural)
Usage Tips:
Use "doohickey" informally for unnamed objects; avoid in formal writing.
Common Phrases:
whatchamacallit, thingamabob, doodad
Etymology:
Originated in early 20th-century US slang; likely a playful combination of "doodad" and "hickey."
Examples:
- 1. Can you pass me that shiny doohickey on the table?
- 2. The mechanic fixed the car with some mysterious doohickey.
- 3. I need a small doohickey to tighten this screw.
- 4. She fiddled with the doohickey until it finally worked.