Knickknack: meaning, definitions and examples

Knickknack is often used to refer to small decorative items or souvenirs that might not have much practical use but hold sentimental value.

• She loves collecting knickknacks from every country she visits.
• The bookshelf was covered in various knickknacks.

Trinket refers to small decorative items or pieces of jewelry, often inexpensive. It is used in a neutral context but might sometimes imply that the item is of minor importance.

• She keeps her collection of trinkets in a special box.
• He gave her a small trinket as a token of affection.

Ornament is generally used to describe decorative items, especially those used during special occasions like holidays, and can also refer to adornments on buildings or garments.

• The Christmas tree was beautifully decorated with ornaments of all shapes and sizes.
• The old cathedral had many intricate stone ornaments.

Bauble typically refers to small, showy trinkets or inexpensive jewelry. It can sometimes carry a slightly negative connotation, implying lack of value or importance.

• She wore a few baubles on her wrist, bright and shiny but not very valuable.
• The market was full of cheap baubles and trinkets.