1. a mechanical device or gadget, especially one that is strange, complicated, or makeshift
Usage: often implies something unusual or improvised

Examples

• The inventor showed us his latest contraption for peeling apples.
• What is that strange contraption in your garage?
• She built a contraption out of cardboard boxes to catch rainwater.
• The old contraption barely worked, but it got the job done.
• His homemade contraption looked ridiculous but was surprisingly effective.
• The museum displayed various contraptions from the early industrial age.