Definition

1. Noun:
   • A small, inexpensive, and often decorative item, typically used as an ornament or piece of jewelry. It is usually showy or ornamental but not of great material value.

Usage

• The word "trinket" is used to describe a small decorative object or piece of jewelry that is considered cheap, showy, or of little intrinsic worth. It often carries a slightly dismissive or condescending connotation, implying the item is more for ornamentation than utility or serious value.

Examples

• Noun:
  • She bought a few colorful trinkets from the street market.
  • The box was filled with old trinkets and costume jewelry.
  • He brought back a souvenir trinket for each of his coworkers.

Advanced Usage

• "mere trinket": Emphasizes the item's lack of value or significance.
  • To him, the expensive watch was a mere trinket compared to his grandfather's simple pocket watch.
• Used figuratively to describe something considered trivial or insignificant.
  • The award felt like a trinket, not recognizing the true depth of her work.

Variants and Related Words

• Trinketry (noun, rare): A collective term for trinkets or the quality of being like a trinket.
  • The room was cluttered with trinketry.

Synonyms

• Bauble: A small, showy ornament of little value.
• Knickknack: A small decorative object.
• Gewgaw: A showy but worthless object.
• Novelty: A small, inexpensive, often amusing item.

Antonyms

• Heirloom: A valuable object owned by a family for several generations.
• Treasure: A very valuable object.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• "Trinkets and beads": A phrase historically used to refer to items of little value offered in trade, often carrying connotations of unfair exchange or colonialism.
  • The land was acquired for trinkets and beads.
• "Bag of trinkets": Implies a collection of miscellaneous items of little individual worth.
  • The magician pulled a bag of trinkets from his hat.

Noun

1. cheap showy jewelry or ornament on clothing