thingumabob: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low-MediumInformal, colloquial, conversational. Often used in spoken language, rarely in formal writing.
Quick answer
What does “thingumabob” mean?
An informal, often affectionate or humorous term for an object, gadget, or item whose name one cannot recall, does not know, or chooses not to specify.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An informal, often affectionate or humorous term for an object, gadget, or item whose name one cannot recall, does not know, or chooses not to specify.
Used to refer to a person whose name one has forgotten or chooses not to say. Can also refer to an abstract concept, idea, or procedure that is vague or not fully defined.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More common in British English. American English slightly prefers 'thingamajig' or 'whatchamacallit', but 'thingumabob' is understood.
Connotations
In British English, it can sound slightly old-fashioned or charmingly rustic. In American English, it may sound quaint or deliberately British.
Frequency
Low frequency in both, but higher relative frequency in UK English. Often used by older speakers or for humorous effect.
Grammar
How to Use “thingumabob” in a Sentence
Pass me the thingumabob.You need to attach the thingumabob to the flange.It's one of those thingumabobs for stirring paint.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Virtually never used.
Everyday
Common in casual conversation, especially when describing fixing things, household objects, or technical parts.
Technical
Used humorously or self-deprecatingly when a technician forgets a part name.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “thingumabob”
Strong
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “thingumabob”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “thingumabob”
- Spelling: 'thingamabob', 'thingumabob', 'thingummybob' are all accepted variants. | Using it in formal writing. | Overusing it, making speech sound deliberately vague.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is written as one word, though historically it may have been hyphenated ('thingum-a-bob'). Modern dictionaries list it as a single lexical item.
Yes, but this is less common. It can be used humorously or slightly dismissively for a person whose name you've forgotten, e.g., 'Tell thingumabob from accounts that the report is ready.'
They are essentially synonyms. 'Thingamajig' is slightly more common in American English, while 'thingumabob' leans British. The choice is often one of personal or regional habit.
No. It is strictly informal and conversational. Using it in professional writing would be seen as unprofessional, overly casual, or imprecise. Use the specific technical term or a general word like 'component', 'device', or 'item' instead.
An informal, often affectionate or humorous term for an object, gadget, or item whose name one cannot recall, does not know, or chooses not to specify.
Thingumabob is usually informal, colloquial, conversational. often used in spoken language, rarely in formal writing. in register.
Thingumabob: in British English it is pronounced /ˈθɪŋəməˌbɒb/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈθɪŋəməˌbɑːb/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “and thingumabobs (to mean 'and other such things')”
- “all the thingumabobs (assortment of small parts)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'THING + U + MA + BOB' (as in 'Bob', a common name). It's the thing, you know, for Bob.
Conceptual Metaphor
OBJECT IS AN UNNAMED PERSON (anthropomorphism via a common name 'Bob').
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'thingumabob' be LEAST appropriate?