Oddment

Oddment

ˈädm(ə)nt

Noun

  • (Usually “oddments”) A remnant or part of something, typically left over from a larger piece or set.

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Example Sentences

“The dress was made of colorful oddments stitched together in a classic design.”

“Denise gathered oddments from various china sets to build her eclectic collection.”

“Bill used oddments from his auto shop to repair the engine.” 

Word Origin

English, late 18th century

Why this word?

“Oddment” is a hybrid of the Latin suffix (“-ment”) combined with the Germanic word “odd,” which stems from the Old Norse “oddi,” meaning “third or additional number.” If you have ever made or owned a “crazy quilt,” you’d be quite familiar with oddments. A crazy quilt is a traditional style made up of irregularly shaped blocks cut from scrap fabrics and stitched together with no rhyme or reason. These quilts made from oddments usually have an endearingly eccentric look.

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Learn a new word Doughty

ˈdoudē