TechnologySeptember 2, 2026

gizmo

GIZ-moh

Definition

A gadget, device, or small mechanical contrivance, especially one whose specific name is forgotten or considered unimportant.

Etymology

The origin of 'gizmo' is uncertain, appearing in the early 20th century as U.S. Navy slang for any device or piece of equipment for which the speaker does not know the proper name.

In the news

The author refers to the Rokid glasses as a 'fun tech gizmo,' highlighting their status as an entertaining, novel electronic accessory rather than an essential tool.

I tried Rokid's AI + AR glasses for a month, and the general 'bad vibes' I have around wearables are slowly subsiding, but I can't stop worrying about my personal data

Read the full article ↗

Tom's Guide

Related words

auditability

The quality of a system or process that allows its actions and decisions to be tracked,…

Technology

decommission

To officially remove a system, piece of equipment, or service from active duty or…

Technology

luddites

People who are opposed to new technology or new ways of working.

Technology

middleware

Software that acts as a bridge between different applications or operating systems,…

Technology

proselytise

To advocate for or aggressively promote a specific belief, doctrine, or cause.

Technology

automaton

A self-operating machine or mechanism, typically designed to follow a predetermined…

Technology

Learn a word like this every day

Meet one new word every morning.

Newspoken pulls one carefully chosen word from the day’s news — with a clear definition, context, and light review that makes it stick. Get it on your phone.