noun

widget

WIJ-it/ˈwɪdʒɪt/

A small device or component serving a particular function.

The rotary widget controls the volume on the electronic panel.

A simple physical rotary volume-control knob on a small blank electronic panel, specific functional widget.

Etymology

Widget probably arose as an alteration of gadget, a general name for a small manufactured item. The software sense applies that small-device idea to a control with a specific function.

In context

Mac Geek Gab27:13

image size sort of widget if you will so when you go to resize an image you now have four algorithms to choose from

A Festivus for The Geeks in Us – Mac Geek Gab 794

More examples

She adds a calendar widget to her desktop.
This little widget keeps the cabinet door from swinging shut.
The factory produces thousands of widgets every week.

Forms

widget · widgets

Similar words

gadget: Usually a physical device, often with a clever practical use.
component: Any part of a larger system, not necessarily small.