gimmick

UK: /ˈgɪmɪk/ US: /ˈgɪmɪk/ ,(gim′ik)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2021

gim•mick /ˈgɪmɪk/   n. [countable]

1. an ingenious or new device, plan, or action, esp. one used to draw attention or increase appeal; stunt;
   ploy:
   They needed a gimmick to sell their cars.

gim•mick•ry /ˈgɪmɪkri/  n. [uncountable]
gim•mick•y, adj. 

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2021

gim•mick  (gim′ik), n. 

1. an ingenious or novel device, scheme, or stratagem, esp. one designed to attract attention or increase appeal.
2. a concealed, usually devious aspect or feature of something, as a plan or deal:
   An offer that good must have a gimmick in it somewhere.
3. a hidden mechanical device by which a magician works a trick or a gambler controls a game of chance.
4. [Electronics Informal.] a capacitor formed by intertwining two insulated wires.

v.t. 

5. to equip or embellish with unnecessary features, esp. in order to increase salability, acceptance, etc. (often fol. by up):
   to gimmick up a sports car with chrome and racing stripes.

v.i. 

6. to resort to gimmickry, esp. habitually.

• origin, originally uncertain 1925–30, American.

gim′mick•er, n. 
gim′mick•y, adj. 
Synonyms

• 1. stunt, plan, ruse, ploy; angle.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

gimmick /ˈɡɪmɪk/ n

1. something designed to attract extra attention, interest, or publicity
2. any clever device, gadget, or stratagem, esp one used to deceive

Etymology: 20th Century: originally US slang, of unknown origin

ˈgimmickry n ˈgimmicky adj