noun

thingamajig

THING-uh-muh-jig/ˈθɪŋəmədʒɪɡ/

An object whose name is unknown, forgotten, or left unstated.

The puzzled person holds an unfamiliar thingamajig with small mechanical parts.

Puzzled white adult holds unfamiliar small mechanical gadget.

Etymology

thingEnglishunspecified object or matter

Thing already served as a substitute for a name the speaker could not supply. The arbitrary ending expands that placeholder without making the object any more specific.

In context

WELT Documentary37:04

then at the end the thingamajig comes along it all worked out beautifully today

Big Ships & Heavy Load - Hard Work At The PORT OF HAMBURG | Full Documentary

More examples

What do you call that thingamajig on your desk?
The thingamajig that holds the screen door open is broken.
This drawer is full of plastic thingamajigs I can't identify.

Forms

thingamajig · thingamajigs

Similar words

doohickey: Usually refers to a small device or mechanical part.
whatchamacallit: More explicitly suggests that the speaker cannot recall the name.
doodad: Often suggests a small gadget, ornament, or minor accessory.