Quick answer
Doohickey means a small object or gadget with an unknown or forgotten name. It is usually pronounced DOO-hick-ee, and today it is still readable to modern audiences, even if it sounds more deliberate than everyday speech.
Word page
Doohickey
Doohickey means a small object or gadget with an unknown or forgotten name. It belongs to funny-sounding words and works best in light essays, vivid dialogue, and any sentence that deserves a little bounce. It still feels usable today, especially when you want a word with more character than the plainest alternative.
At a glance
funny-soundingquirkymemorable
How to say it
Meaning in plain English
In plain English, doohickey refers to a small object or gadget with an unknown or forgotten name. It is most useful when a plain label would tell the truth but miss the tone, flavor, or comic edge.
Why this word feels absurd
Doohickey feels absurd because it has more texture than the plain alternative, giving the idea an extra bit of theatrical, comic, or overbuilt energy.
Origin and history
Doohickey is generally traced to american English, early 20th century. In modern use, the history matters less than the strong tone the word still carries.
Is this word still used today?
Doohickey is still usable today, especially when you want language that feels more distinctive than the plainest modern alternative.
Example sentences
- The missing doohickey from the back of the cupboard turned out to be essential.
- Hand me the little brass doohickey next to the screws.
- He built the machine from springs, tape, and several suspicious doohickeys.
- In the workshop manual parody, every part is labelled "doohickey" and nothing is clarified.
When should you use this word?
Use doohickey when you want a more vivid, characterful choice than the plain everyday alternative. It works especially well in light essays, vivid dialogue, and any sentence that deserves a little bounce.
Similar words
Thingamajig, Whatsit, Dinglehopper, Gizmo, Widget
Opposite or contrasting words
Technical term, Exact name, Specific part
Common questions
- What does doohickey mean? A small object or gadget with an unknown or forgotten name.
- How do you pronounce doohickey? It is commonly pronounced DOO-hick-ee.
- Is doohickey still used today? Doohickey is still usable today, especially when you want language that feels more distinctive than the plainest modern alternative.
- When should you use doohickey? Use doohickey when you want a more vivid, characterful choice than the plain everyday alternative. It works especially well in light essays, vivid dialogue, and any sentence that deserves a little bounce.
- What words are similar to doohickey? Similar words include Thingamajig, Whatsit, Dinglehopper, and Gizmo.
Editorial note
Edited by Absurd Words. Last updated: May 9, 2026. See the editorial policy for how definitions, examples, labels, and update checks are handled on the site.