nicknack

1 7.0

A small object kept for decoration rather than use

noun
/ˈnɪkˌnæk/

: adorno

During the trip, he bought several nicknacks as souvenirs from the local markets.

Examples

The gift shop was filled with charming nicknacks that caught her eye.
My particular favorite is the 'Marketplace' with all its nicknacks and 'stuff.'

Blog text (8)
Author: Nicknack

Blog text (8)
I will lovingly wrap your nicknacks with bubble paper.

Liar Liar (1997)
She has a collection of beautiful nicknacks displayed on her shelves.

Synonyms

knickknack

vsnicknack

14 4.2

A small cheap object people keep to decorate a home

focuses on being kept for ornament rather than any practical use

knick

vsnicknack

Informal

9 8.2

A small decorative object like a tiny statue or ornament

is the standard term for a small ornament kept for decoration

bric-a-brac

vsnicknack

4 8.7

Small pretty objects kept for decoration or as souvenirs

refers to a single ornament kept for decoration rather than function

trumpery

vsnicknack

Archaic

1 9.9

Cheap objects that look nice but have little value

is the neutral term for small ornaments without judging value

whatnot

vsnicknack

Archaic

1 7.6

A small shelf or stand that holds little decorations

means a single decorative piece kept for ornament not for use

How Decorative

artwork

91 3.0

ornament

96 1.6

trinket

40 3.5

nicknack

1 7.0

keepsake

24 3.9

plain

33 2.5

Surface Forms

nicknack singular

nicknacks plural

Etymology

The word nicknack (often spelled knickknack) is a playful old word made by repeating a short sound — nick + knack — so it felt light and small, like 'a small thing'. So, nicknack came to mean a small decorative object kept more 'for looks' than for use.