Contraption Definition

kən-trăpshən
contraptions
noun
contraptions
A device or machine regarded as strange, incomprehensible, makeshift, etc.; contrivance or gadget.
Webster's New World
(figuratively, derogatory or ironic) Any object.
Wiktionary

Other Word Forms of Contraption

Noun

Singular:
contraption
Plural:
contraptions

Origin of Contraption

  • Possibly a Western US English dialectical word. Unknown origin. Perhaps from contrive + trap + -tion. Chambers suggests contrivance + adaption. Neither Chambers nor Concise Oxford suggests a US origin. cf cantrip (Scots dialect), a wilful piece of trickery.

    From Wiktionary

  • Perhaps mock-Latinate blend of contrive trap

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

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