Doohickey

A doohickey is an informal term used to describe an object or gadget whose name is unknown or forgotten, or for which the specific function is not clearly defined. It's often used in conversation when referring to items that are difficult to categorize or identify, embodying a sense of casualness and ambiguity. The term is commonly employed in American English and can apply to a wide range of items, from tools to small devices.

Doohickey meaning with examples

• While cleaning out the garage, Sarah stumbled upon a doohickey that looked like it could be a wrench or a bottle opener. She was unsure of its original purpose but decided to keep it anyway, thinking it could come in handy someday. It's always those mysterious little gadgets that end up being the most useful when you least expect it. Sometimes, you just need that one doohickey to fix a problem that seems unsolvable.
• During the family camping trip, Jake pulled out a doohickey from his backpack, claiming it was a multi-tool. The device had various attachments, although no one could figure out how to use all its functions. After a few minutes of tinkering, they all burst into laughter, realizing nobody could identify the doohickey's original intent. It became a running joke for the weekend, as they referred to it whenever they encountered an unfamiliar item in their camp.
• At the craft fair, Tom found a doohickey that was supposed to help with knitting. The vendor was enthusiastic, demonstrating how it could supposedly make the task easier, yet many attendees were skeptical. Everyone exchanged glances, doubting whether this quirky little gadget could really improve their knitting experience. Regardless, Tom bought the doohickey, curious to see if it lived up to its claims, and secretly hoping it would revolutionize his crafting.
• In his workshop, Dave had collected an assortment of doohickeys over the years. Most of them came from his projects and repairs, but he could never remember what they were for. They sat neatly in a drawer, and he loved to rummage through them on lazy afternoons, reminiscing about the countless projects he had embarked on. Each doohickey had a little story behind it, but its specific purpose was often lost in the mists of time.