widget — English Dictionary

Noun

1. A placeholder name for an unnamed, unspecified, or hypothetical manufactured good or product, typically as an example for purposes of explaining concepts.

   Synonyms

   thingygizmosprocket

   Examples

   Suppose we have a widget factory that produces 100 units per year...

   More examples (1)

   Damage inflicted on the rail industry supply chain, from major contractors to widget manufacturers, would have further profound nationwide consequences on an already damaged industry and wrecked economy.

2. A floating device inside a beer can, meant to create foam when opened.

3. A small scraping tool consisting of a blade and a handle, commonly used to remove paint from glass and other smooth surfaces.

   Synonyms

   scraper

4. Synonym of tool, implement, device, gadget, part.

   Usage

   • Informal

Noun

1. Any one of the components of a computer application's graphical user interface, such as a Cancel button or text input box that a user interacts with.

   Synonyms

   control

2. A small applet that can be placed on the desktop or in a sidebar, etc.

   Examples

   This weather widget shows the current temperature.

Noun

1. something unspecified whose name is either forgotten or not known

   Synonyms

   doodaddoohickeydojiggergimmickgizmogismogubbinsthingamabobthingumabobthingmabobthingamajigthingumajigthingmajigthingummywhatchamacallitwhatchamacallumwhatsis

   Broader terms

   stuff

   Examples

   she eased the ball-shaped doodad back into its socket

   there may be some great new gizmo around the corner that you will want to use

2. a device or control that is very useful for a particular job

   Synonyms

   appliancecontraptioncontrivanceconveniencegadgetgizmogismo

   Broader terms

   device