variants
or less commonly nicknack
plural knickknacks also nicknacks
: a small trivial article usually intended for ornament
a collection of colorful knickknacks
Known in the computer industry as tchotchkes, which is Yiddish for cheap trinkets, the knickknacks distributed in the past year have included "Love Me Tender" toilet-roll dispensers, wax eyeballs, chocolate computers and Nerf-ball launchers.—
Jim Carlton
Jim CarltonMelissa Etheridge's spacious two-story home outside Los Angeles is filled with knickknacks from her life: Aside from awards and photos, there is a small collection of vintage neon clocks … and a Thelma & Louise poster signed by the cast (including a then-unknown Brad Pitt).—Lynette Rice
Lynette RiceExamples of knickknack in a Sentence
The shelves were filled with knickknacks.
a variety of pretty porcelain knickknacks adorned the mantel
Recent Examples on the Web
Once the candle is burned, the smaller vessels could be used for knickknacks and the larger ones could double as plant holders.
Got My Eye on You Who doesn’t need a little protection — or a lot?
—Alix Strauss, New York Times, 13 Feb. 2025
The ceiling panels are scuffed, the walls are decorated with movie posters, and the desks are dotted with equipment, knickknacks, and struggling houseplants.
—Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 23 Jan. 2025
Special Items Whether antiques, cherished knickknacks, or heirlooms, items that are very delicate and/or precious to the customer are typically items house cleaners won’t want to mess with in order to cut down the risk of damaging them.
—Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 9 Feb. 2025
Live map California fire map: Track this fire live
A retired pharmacist, Kelley was known for keeping her home clean, dusting every corner of the house, decorating it with family photos and knickknacks that gave the house a cozy, welcoming feel.
—Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 10 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for knickknack
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Alix Strauss, New York Times, 13 Feb. 2025
The ceiling panels are scuffed, the walls are decorated with movie posters, and the desks are dotted with equipment, knickknacks, and struggling houseplants.
—Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 23 Jan. 2025
Special Items Whether antiques, cherished knickknacks, or heirlooms, items that are very delicate and/or precious to the customer are typically items house cleaners won’t want to mess with in order to cut down the risk of damaging them.
—Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 9 Feb. 2025
Live map California fire map: Track this fire live
A retired pharmacist, Kelley was known for keeping her home clean, dusting every corner of the house, decorating it with family photos and knickknacks that gave the house a cozy, welcoming feel.
—Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 10 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for knickknack
Articles Related to knickknack
Cite this Entry
“Knickknack.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/knickknack. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
knickknack
noun
knick·knack
ˈnik-ˌnak 
: a small ornamental object
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