whatnot

Noun

whatnot (plural whatnots)

1. (countable) A small unspecified object; bric-a-brac (in plural).
   • Storage boxes—catchalls for flotsam, jetsam, whatnots and thingamajigs—are gaining new interest as decorative objects for the home.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 Dec 2024
   • Do not be distracted by the various novelty bags and whatnots of which Chanel is so fond; instead, prove your aforementioned sensible credentials by buying a boxy rectangular quilted shoulder bag with a chain strap, in black, ideally.2010 December 20, Hadley Freeman, “Blowing your bonus on a Chanel bag could be the most sensible purchase you'll make this Christmas”, in The Guardian, →ISSN, archived from the original on 01 Dec 2025
2. (uncountable, set phrase) 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.
3. A freestanding set of shelves on which ornaments are displayed; an etagere.
   • On a whatnot in a corner which had been devoted to the child's belongings were Franky's paint-box and some of his toys.1913, Mary E. Mann, Mrs. Day's Daughters, Hodder & Stoughton
   • Herbert[…] made an elaborate inspection of the chimney-piece, the whatnot, the piano-top.1923, Elizabeth Bowen, “The Lover”, in Encounters, page 119