Definition of widget

The word "widget" is of uncertain origin, but it is believed to have emerged in the mid-19th century as a synonym for a small, versatile mechanism or device. One possible etymology suggests that it came from the Middle English word "wight," meaning "a person" or "a creature," which was then modified to "widget" to describe a small, artificial entity. Another theory proposes that it is related to the Old English word "wicgen," meaning "to shape" or "to mold," which could refer to the idea of shaping or crafting small objects. In the early 20th century, the term "widget" gained popularity in the context of technology, specifically in reference to small, intricate parts or components used in machines or devices. Today, the term is often used in a more whimsical sense to describe any small, quirky, or innovative device or gadget.