widget

noun

wid·​get ˈwi-jət 

1

: gadget

2

: an unnamed article considered for purposes of hypothetical example

3

: a small software application that is designed to provide a specific piece of information (such as news, weather, or traffic updates) or a specific function (such as taking notes or controlling another application) on demand

This resource allows anglers to see what advisories are in effect in specific waterways … . The web page is optimized for mobile devices, with a widget that allows users to zoom to their exact location on the map with the press of a button.

—Chris Knauss

A widget might show you the weather forecast, or the latest baseball scores. There are widgets that show photographs you've stored online, or that cull images from the Daily Puppy Web site.

—Rob Walker

Synonyms

• appliance
• contraption
• contrivance
• gadget
• gimmick
• gizmo
• gismo
• jigger

Examples of widget in a Sentence

manufacturers of all kinds of widgets for the do-it-yourselfer

Recent Examples on the Web

Add interactive tools, widgets or calculators that might help the user directly. —Adhip Ray, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024

In its favor is Can-Am's ability to infuse its history of designing the entire widget in-house to produce two solid competitors in the electric motorcycle market. —Roberto Baldwin, WIRED, 24 Sep. 2024

Ars Technica Close-up on the desktop widget and web links that ship with the Focus, the first few detailing keyboard shortcuts. —Kevin Purdy, Ars Technica, 24 Sep. 2024

Sony has released a batch of features in its latest PlayStation 5 system update, including support for adaptive controller charging, party link sharing, and a new widget hub. —Jess Weatherbed, The Verge, 12 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

alteration of gadget

First Known Use

1924, in the meaning defined at sense 1