contraption
word
Definition
A contraption is a device or machine that looks strange or complicated, often invented for a particular purpose.
Usage & Nuances
Mostly informal and often used humorously or with mild skepticism; suggests the device is homemade, odd, or not entirely reliable. Collocates with 'strange', 'old', or questions like 'What does this contraption do?' Rare in technical or formal contexts.
Spanish: artefacto - artilugioPortuguese (BR): engenhoca - aparatoPortuguese (PT): engenhoca - aparelhoChinese (Simplified): 装置 - 奇特装置Chinese (Traditional): 裝置 - 奇特裝置Hindi: अजीब यंत्र - विचित्र उपकरणArabic: جهاز غريب - أداة غريبةBengali: যন্ত্রপাতি - কৌতূহলী যন্ত্রRussian: штуковина - приспособлениеJapanese: 仕掛け - 変な機械Vietnamese: đồ kỳ quặc - thiết bị lạKorean: 이상한 기계 - 기묘한 장치Turkish: tuhaf alet - garip cihazUrdu: عجیب آلہ - انوکھا سازوسامانIndonesian: alat aneh - perangkat aneh
Example Sentences
He fixed his bike with some strange contraption he made from old parts.
natural
The old contraption made a lot of noise.
basic
My uncle built a contraption to water his plants.
basic
What does this contraption do?
basic
There's some kind of contraption in the kitchen, but I have no idea how it works.
natural
Don't trust that contraption—it looks like it might break any minute.
natural