Widget

Widget is a term used in multiple domains to denote a small device or software component. In manufacturing and engineering, a widget is a generic part or mechanism used as a placeholder in diagrams, specifications, or demonstrations. It serves to illustrate fit, function, or cost without naming a specific component. The etymology is uncertain, but the word emerged in American English in the 19th or early 20th century as a catch-all label for gadgets and similar devices.

In manufacturing contexts, widgets are often used in design briefs and training materials to stand in for actual parts, helping teams discuss processes without exposing proprietary nomenclature. In sales and marketing, a widget can be a stand-in example when comparing products.

In computing, widget refers to a graphical user interface element or a small application. Desktop and mobile environments use widgets to provide quick access to information or actions, such as a weather indicator, clock, or performance meter. Web widgets are small applications embedded in web pages to display live content or provide interactive functionality. Software development also uses the term to describe reusable UI components or modules.

Related terms include gadget, component, and module. The meaning of widget varies by context, but it generally denotes a small, self-contained unit that serves a specific, often modular function.