gimmick
Use Gimmick in a sentence
ɪk noun
1.
an ingenious or novel device, scheme, or stratagem, especially one designed to attract attention or increase appeal.
2.
a concealed, usually devious aspect or feature of something, as a plan or deal: An offer that good must have a gimmick in it somewhere.
3.
a hidden mechanical device by which a magician works a trick or a gambler controls a game of chance.
4.
Electronics Informal. a capacitor formed by intertwining two insulated wires.
verb (used with object)
5.
to equip or embellish with unnecessary features, especially in order to increase salability, acceptance, etc. (often followed by up ): to gimmick up a sports car with chrome and racing stripes.
00:10
Gimmick
is one of our favorite verbs.
So is subtilize. Does it mean:
| to bark; yelp. |
| to introduce subtleties into or argue subtly about. |
verb (used without object)
6.
to resort to gimmickry, especially habitually.
Origin:
1925–30, Americanism; origin uncertain
1925–30, Americanism; origin uncertain
Related forms
gim·mick·er, noun
gim·mick·y, adjective
un·gim·mick·y, adjective
Synonyms
1. stunt, plan, ruse, ploy; angle.
1. stunt, plan, ruse, ploy; angle.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
Cite This Source
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Link To gimmick
Collins
World English Dictionary
gimmick (ˈɡɪmɪk) ![[Click for IPA pronunciation guide]](http://static.sfdict.com/dictstatic/g/d/dictionary_questionbutton_default.gif) | |
| —n | |
| 1. | something designed to attract extra attention, interest, or publicity |
| 2. | any clever device, gadget, or stratagem, esp one used to deceive |
| 3. | chiefly (US) a device or trick of legerdemain that enables a magician to deceive the audience |
| [C20: originally US slang, of unknown origin] | |
| 'gimmickry | |
| —n | |
| 'gimmicky | |
| —adj | |
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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Etymonline
Word Origin & History
gimmick
1926 (in Maine & Grant's "Wise-Crack Dictionary," which defines it as "a device used for making a fair game crooked"), Amer.Eng., perhaps an alteration of gimcrack, or an anagram of magic.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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Example sentences
However, rain checks can also be a gimmick to get you to visit their store again.
If anyone should be able to appreciate the necessity of a good promotional gimmick, it's the entertainment industry.
Gimmick themes such as rebuses may occasionally be accepted, but it's safest to ask ahead.
It's a cute gimmick, to be sure, and one that would surely sell well if it didn't cost so much.
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