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thingumabob

thingumabob

9.9
An object whose name you don't know or have forgotten
  • noun
  • /ˈθɪŋjʊməˌbɑb/
  • Informal
translation icon : cosa
  • Can you pass me that thingumabob next to the toolbox?

Examples

  • I found a thingumabob in the drawer.

  • Whenever I lose the remote, I always end up calling it the thingumabob.

  • I used a thingumabob to fix the handle, whatever it's called.

  • Can you pass me that thingumabob?

  • Can you hand me that thingumabob over there by the shelf?

  • I picked up a thingumabob from the counter, but I don't remember what it's for.

  • Whenever I can't remember the name of something, I just call it a thingumabob.

Synonyms

thing
vsthingumabob
1.0

Something you do not know or cannot name

is specifically used when the exact name is unknown rather than being general
thingy
vsthingumabob
  • Informal
75 8.4

An informal word for an object when you forget its name

is the general placeholder for unnamed objects rather than informal slang
widget
vsthingumabob
59 5.1

A small useful thing or tool for a particular job

is mainly a casual placeholder for any unnamed object not an example
gizmo
vsthingumabob
  • Informal
56 7.1

A small device or tool whose name you do not know

is used for any unnamed object not only small devices or gadgets
doohickey
vsthingumabob
  • Informal
11 9.9

A small object whose name you do not know

is used more generally for unnamed objects not limited to gadgets
doodad
vsthingumabob
  • Informal
7 8.7

A small thing or device whose name you do not know

is the general placeholder for unnamed items beyond just small gadgets
whatchamacallit
vsthingumabob
  • Informal
7 9.9

A word for an object whose name you do not know

is the common spoken substitute when a name cannot be recalled
thingie
vsthingumabob
  • Informal
6 9.2

A simple word for an object you cannot remember the name of

is used more broadly for unnamed objects rather than playful forms
gimmick
vsthingumabob
  • Informal
6 5.6

A small object whose name you cannot remember

is used for general unnamed objects rather than implying a gadget
thingamabob
vsthingumabob
  • Informal
5 9.6

A thing whose name you do not know or remember

has identical meaning but is a different informal form or spelling
thingamajig
vsthingumabob
  • Informal
5 9.9

A word people use for a person or object when they forget its name

is used mainly for objects rather than people or unnamed persons
whatsis
vsthingumabob
  • Informal
1 9.9

A thing whose name you cannot remember

is a general placeholder that applies beyond small items or gadgets
hootenanny
vsthingumabob
  • Archaic
1 9.9

A small tool or object you forget the name of

is the general word for any unnamed object rather than this informal term
whatchamacallum
vsthingumabob
  • UK
9.9

A word for something whose name you cannot remember

is used generally for unnamed objects rather than to name them
thingmajig
vsthingumabob
  • Informal
9.9

An object whose name you do not know or have forgotten

is used for any unnamed object not only devices or gadgets
thingummy
vsthingumabob
  • Informal
9.9

A word for a person or thing whose name you cannot remember

is used specifically for objects not for people or names
thinginess
vsthingumabob
  • Informal
9.9

A word used for an object when you forget its name

is the everyday placeholder for unnamed objects rather than the playful noun
gismo
vsthingumabob
  • UK
8.5

A small device you do not know the name of

is broader and used for any unnamed thing not restricted to devices
dojigger
vsthingumabob
  • Informal
9.9

A small object used when you do not know its name

is a broader term for any unnamed object beyond devices or tools
gubbins
vsthingumabob
  • UK
9.9

Small things you do not know the name of or need

is used for a single unnamed object rather than a group or collection

Surface Forms

thingumabob singular
thingumabobs plural

Etymology

Thingumabob is a playful made-up word that joins thing with a silly ending, like in thingamajig. So people use thingumabob to mean 'an object whose name you do not know'.