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whatnot

From Wiktionary, the free dictionary

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See also: what not and what-not

English

Alternative forms

Etymology

From what +‎ not.

Pronunciation

  • (UK) IPA(key): /ˈwɒt.nɒt/
  • (US) IPA(key): /ˈwʌt.nɑt/, /ˈʍʌt.nɑt/
  • Audio (US):(file)

Noun

whatnot (plural whatnots)

  1. (countable) A small unspecified object; bric-a-brac (in plural).
    • 1991 May 30, Emily Gwathmey, “Storage Box: Catchall's New Life as Eye-Catcher”, in The New York Times‎, archived from the original on 14 December 2024:
      STORAGE boxes -- catchalls for flotsam, jetsam, whatnots and thingamajigs -- are gaining new interest as decorative objects for the home.
  2. (uncountable) Other related objects or ideas.
    At the lexicography club, we welcome all discussion of words and whatnot.
    All of the cakes and whatnot have been laid out, ready for the children's birthday party this afternoon.
    • [2016 October 2, Tim Carvell, Josh Gondelman, Dan Gurewitch, Jeff Maurer, Ben Silva, Will Tracy, Jill Twiss, Seena Vali, Julie Weiner, “Police Accountability”, in Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, season 3, episode 24, John Oliver (actor), Warner Bros. Television, via HBO:
      Now, those are valid frustrations, although as a quick side note, “Murder and Whatnot” would be an amazing CSI spin-off. That’s a watchable show right there.]
    • [1994 October 5, Haim Saban, Shuki Levy, “Kaitlin's Front Page”, in VR Troopers, season 1, episode 17, Colonel Icebot (actor), Saban Entertainment:
      You call that a warrior? My Cobrot's engines will whip the Troopers into whatnot! She is all cobra!]
  4. A freestanding set of shelves on which ornaments are displayed; an etagere.
    • 1923, Elizabeth Bowen, “The Lover”, in Encounters, page 119:
      Herbert […] made an elaborate inspection of the chimney-piece, the whatnot, the piano-top.

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