trinket

[tring-kit]

noun

1. a small ornament, piece of jewelry, etc., usually of little value.

2. anything of trivial value.

verb (used without object)

1. to deal secretly or surreptitiously.

trinket

/ ˈtrɪŋkɪt /

noun

1. a small or worthless ornament or piece of jewellery

2. a trivial object; trifle

Other Word Forms

• trinketry noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of trinket¹

First recorded in 1525–35; origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of trinket¹

C16: perhaps from earlier trenket little knife, via Old Northern French, from Latin truncāre to lop

Example Sentences

Each of us has our own trinkets that we collect over the years.

From Los Angeles Times

The three men entered the address at 17:40 GMT and left at 18:25, taking necklaces, earrings, bracelets and other trinkets.

From BBC

“I’m not a walking wise man where I’m just trying to drop little trinkets on him all day, but it’s more whenever it comes up,” Adams said of dissecting double-coverage and other schemes.

From Los Angeles Times

“When you walk in, it’s full of surprises,” Carlip tells me as we walk around the house on a sunny Friday morning and admire the Jason Mecier portrait of Willis made of trash trinkets.

From Los Angeles Times

Statues of Disney can be found at both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, and trinkets bearing his image, including an ornament of the latter, can occasionally be spotted for sale in the park’s gift shops.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bauble 
• bead 
• gadget 
• junk 
• ornament 
• toy