contraption

con·trap·tion

C c

Transcription

- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
- UK Pronunciation
- UK IPA
- [kuh n-trap-shuh n]
- /kənˈtræp ʃən/
- /kənˈtræp.ʃən/

- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
- [kuh n-trap-shuh n]
- /kənˈtræp ʃən/

Definitions of contraption word

countable noun contraption You can refer to a device or machine as a contraption, especially when it looks strange or you do not know what it is used for. 3
noun contraption a device or contrivance, esp one considered strange, unnecessarily intricate, or improvised 3
noun contraption a device or machine regarded as strange, incomprehensible, makeshift, etc.; contrivance or gadget 3
noun contraption a mechanical contrivance; gadget; device. 1
noun contraption A machine or device that appears strange or unnecessarily complicated, and often badly made or unsafe. 1
noun contraption machine 1

See all 9 definitions of contraption

Information block about the term

Origin of contraption

First appearance:

before 1815

One of the 39% newest English words

1815-25; perhaps contr(ivance) + (ad)aption, variant of adaptation

Historical Comparancy

Parts of speech for Contraption

noun

adjective

verb

adverb

pronoun

preposition

conjunction

determiner

exclamation

Full grammatical hierarchy of Contraption

contraption popularity

A pretty common term. Usually people know it’s meaning, but prefer to use a more spread out synonym. About 63% of English native speakers know the meaning and use word.

This word is included in each student's vocabulary. Most likely there is at least one movie with this word in the title.

contraption usage trend in Literature

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Synonyms for contraption

noun contraption

rig — Chiefly Nautical. to put in proper order for working or use. to fit (a ship, mast, etc.) with the necessary shrouds, stays, etc. to fit (shrouds, stays, sails, etc.) to the mast, yard, or the like.
gadget — a mechanical contrivance or device; any ingenious article.
appliance — An appliance is a device or machine in your home that you use to do a job such as cleaning or cooking. Appliances are often electrical.
contrivance — If you describe something as a contrivance, you disapprove of it because it is unnecessary and artificial.
gizmo — gismo.

All 12 Synonyms of contraption