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
Jim CarltonMelissa 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
Lynette RiceSynonyms
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
Try scattering your fairy-sized knickknacks on shelves and mantels, and play around with small centerpieces for your coffee table.
—Abby Wilson, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Dec. 2023
Among the intriguing knickknacks on the shelves were a covered wagon replica and a decorative cluster of Lucite grapes that looked like large marbles.
—Jeff Suess, The Enquirer, 17 Mar. 2024
Every knickknack and furnishing is era-appropriate.
—Roger Naylor, The Arizona Republic, 11 Jan. 2024
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
Abby Wilson, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Dec. 2023
Among the intriguing knickknacks on the shelves were a covered wagon replica and a decorative cluster of Lucite grapes that looked like large marbles.
—Jeff Suess, The Enquirer, 17 Mar. 2024
Every knickknack and furnishing is era-appropriate.
—Roger Naylor, The Arizona Republic, 11 Jan. 2024
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
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.
Articles Related to knickknack
Dictionary Entries Near knickknack
Cite this Entry
“Knickknack.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/knickknack. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
knickknack
noun
knick·knack
ˈnik-ˌnak 
: a small ornamental object
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share