1. a trick or device used to attract attention, publicity, or business
Usage: often implies something superficial or deceptive
2. an ingenious or novel device, scheme, or stratagem
Usage: can be neutral or positive

1. to alter or influence by means of a gimmick
Usage: informal; often used with ‘up’

Examples

• The restaurant’s singing waiters were just a gimmick to attract customers.
• His campaign relied too heavily on gimmicks rather than real policy proposals.
• The new smartphone’s holographic display seemed like a clever gimmick.
• She dismissed the product as nothing more than a marketing gimmick.
• The magician’s latest gimmick amazed the audience.
• They tried to gimmick up the old car to make it look newer.
• The store used price gimmicks to draw in shoppers during the sale.