: any of various other things that might also be mentioned
paper clips, pins, and whatnot
1
: a nondescript person or thing
2
: a light open set of shelves for bric-a-brac
Synonyms
Examples of whatnot in a Sentence
Pronoun
You can use the container to hold paper clips, pins, and whatnot.
the drawer is full of spare pens, paper clips, stray elastics and whatnot
Noun
the store sells an array of whatnots for the do-it-yourself plumber
Recent Examples on the Web
Andy Biggs, Newsweek, 24 Dec. 2024
Is that going to involve local law enforcement giving up, the undocumented grandmother who’s cleaning houses or whatnot, there’s nothing to suggest that, that there’s any law, state law that will allow local law enforcement to do that.
—Dominic Patten, Deadline, 13 Dec. 2024
Most of the other Looney Tunes characters are always trying to murder each other, hunting wabbits and whatnot.
—Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 Dec. 2024
For some people’s success is having a well-rounded life and family and whatnot.
—Rachael Skinner, SPIN, 16 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for whatnot 
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Noun
Even with the rain and associated road noise (splashing and whatnot), the cabin of the Q6 E-Tron was a serene space.
—Andy Biggs, Newsweek, 24 Dec. 2024
Is that going to involve local law enforcement giving up, the undocumented grandmother who’s cleaning houses or whatnot, there’s nothing to suggest that, that there’s any law, state law that will allow local law enforcement to do that.
—Dominic Patten, Deadline, 13 Dec. 2024
Most of the other Looney Tunes characters are always trying to murder each other, hunting wabbits and whatnot.
—Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 Dec. 2024
For some people’s success is having a well-rounded life and family and whatnot.
—Rachael Skinner, SPIN, 16 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for whatnot
Dictionary Entries Near whatnot
Cite this Entry
“Whatnot.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/whatnot. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
whatnot
1 of 2 pronoun
what·not
ˈhwät-ˌnät 
ˈhwət-,
ˈwät-,
ˈwət-
: any of various other things that might also be mentioned
hummingbirds and hawks and owls and whatnot
whatnot
2 of 2 noun
: a light open set of shelves
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