knickknack

noun

knick·​knack ˈnik-ˌnak How to pronounce knickknack (audio)
variants or less commonly nicknack
plural knickknacks also nicknacks
: a small trivial article usually intended for ornament
a collection of colorful knickknacks
Known in the computer industry as tchotchkes, which is Yiddish for cheap trinkets, the knickknacks distributed in the past year have included "Love Me Tender" toilet-roll dispensers, wax eyeballs, chocolate computers and Nerf-ball launchers.Jim Carlton
Melissa Etheridge's spacious two-story home outside Los Angeles is filled with knickknacks from her life: Aside from awards and photos, there is a small collection of vintage neon clocks … and a Thelma & Louise poster signed by the cast (including a then-unknown Brad Pitt).Lynette Rice

Examples of knickknack in a Sentence

The shelves were filled with knickknacks. a variety of pretty porcelain knickknacks adorned the mantel
Recent Examples on the Web While displays of photos, dollar bills and knickknacks above bottles of bourbon are pretty typical in neighborhood dives, the vibe of the corner bar at 412 N. Fifth St. in Kansas City, Kansas, is its own thing. Allison Dikanovic, Kansas City Star, 21 Feb. 2024 Stocking stuffers: Fishing lures and knickknacks make great stocking stuffers. Jordan Rodriguez, Idaho Statesman, 31 Jan. 2024 As Veselka devotees will tell you, the welcoming aura of the place — the lack of pretense, the gorgeous murals and knickknacks, the extraordinary friendliness of the staff, many of whom are Ukrainian — feeds right into the savoriness of the cuisine. Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 1 Mar. 2024 The chain, now a global company, sells all sorts of knickknacks and household goods, including stationery and snacks, for mostly under $1 apiece. Kathleen Magramo, CNN, 19 Feb. 2024 Heavy lifting There was a time when walls were reserved for art or shelves with a few knickknacks. Charlotte Observer, 31 Jan. 2024 While sentimental value can be imbued in a favorite pair of jeans, a signature scent, or a treasured knickknack unearthed at a thrift shop, there’s no denying that an engagement ring holds more emotional weight than any other item a person owns. Shelby Wax, Vogue, 5 Jan. 2024 There’s a particularly macabre segment of the world of oddities made up of people who don’t just collect unusual knickknacks — but actual human body parts. Brenna Ehrlich, Rolling Stone, 4 Dec. 2023 The Black Cat’s long-running Rock ’N’ Shop features vintage clothing, records and knickknacks at the 14th Street nightclub, plus a soundtrack by Les the DJ. Chris Kelly, Washington Post, 14 Dec. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'knickknack.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

reduplication of knack

First Known Use

1682, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of knickknack was in 1682

Dictionary Entries Near knickknack

Cite this Entry

“Knickknack.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/knickknack. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

knickknack

noun
knick·​knack ˈnik-ˌnak How to pronounce knickknack (audio)
: a small ornamental object

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