Random Object Generator With a Use for Every Object

One press gives you five everyday objects from a list of 586, each with a line on what it does or how it works.

Random Object Generator With a Use for Every Object

  1. Casserole dishAn oven-safe dish that goes straight from the oven to the table.
  2. Tackle boxA case with small compartments for hooks, lures and line.
  3. TabletA touch-screen computer with no keyboard attached.
  4. DishwasherSprays hot soapy water over racks of dirty dishes.
  5. DressA one-piece garment with a top and a skirt.
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Seen 5 of 586

Tip: the space bar makes new ones.

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Random Object Generator With a Use for Every Object: how it works

This random object generator draws from 586 everyday objects, from a colander to a hammock to a kaleidoscope, and prints one line under each about what it does or how it works. Narrow the draw to the kitchen, the house, school and office, tools, the outdoors, clothes, toys or tech. Lock the objects you like, swap the rest, save favorites and share a link to the same set.

Draw, lock and swap

Five objects are on the page when it opens. Press New objects or the space bar for five more, or change the size to 1, 10 or 20. The padlock holds an object while the others change, and the swap arrows replace only that card. Nothing comes back until you have seen every object that passes your chip, and a counter shows how far through the list you are. Copy all copies the names one per line, without the uses.

What counts as an object here

Everything in the list is a man-made thing you could point at in a home, a school, a workshop, a garden or a sports bag. There are no animals, no food and no brand names, and nothing so rare that you would need to look it up. The line under each name says what the object is for, and where there is a neat reason it works, the line gives that too: why a wine glass has a stem, how a thermos holds heat, why a golf ball has dimples.

Three games that need a list like this

Scavenger hunt: choose the Around the house chip, draw 10, and the first person to touch all ten wins. Memory tray: draw 10, give everyone one minute to study them, turn the screen away and see who can write down the most. Sell it: draw one object and give a player thirty seconds to pitch it as if it had just been invented. Drama teachers use the same exercise with a twist, where the object must be used as anything except what it is.

Tips

  • For a drawing warm-up, draw three objects, lock them, and arrange them in your head as a still life. Sketch for five minutes, then swap one object and draw the new arrangement.
  • Invent something: draw two objects and design the product you would get by joining them.
  • Story writers can draw one object and make it matter. It has to appear in the first paragraph and decide the ending.
  • For language practice, read the use aloud and ask the learner to name the object. The uses avoid the object's own name where they can, so most work as clues.
  • Play twenty questions with a single hidden draw. The chip you chose is a fair first hint.

Questions and answers

How many objects are in the list?

There are 586: 75 from the kitchen, 78 from around the house, 65 from school and office, 70 tools and garage items, 90 for the garden, camping and sports, 68 clothes and accessories, 70 toys, games and party things, and 70 pieces of tech, sound and music. Each object sits in one group, and each group is a chip above the results.

Is this the same as a random thing generator?

It is, as long as the thing you want is something you can hold, wear, sit on or plug in. Every result here is a physical object. If you want a thing in the wider sense, such as a place, a person, an animal or an idea, the random noun generator draws from all of those and defines each word.

Is this a random object generator with pictures?

Not yet, and we would rather say so than fill the page with stock photos. 140 of the objects show an emoji, drawn by your own device, and every object has its one-line use. For sketching that is often better: you draw the fork in your own kitchen from memory, and not a copy of someone else's picture.

Can I use it with a class?

Yes. The whole list is printed below the tool, so you can read every object and every line before a lesson. The rudest thing in it is a whoopee cushion. A few sharp or hot things are included because they are ordinary household objects, such as a chef's knife, an axe and a soldering iron. Share copies a link that opens on the exact set you are looking at.

Is the pick really random?

Yes. Every object that passes your chip and your starting letter has the same chance, and the choice is made in your browser. The one fixed result is the first set of five, which is built into the page so that it appears at once on a slow connection. After that the page only steps in to stop repeats.

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All 586 objects

Show all 586 objects

Kitchen 75

  • Apron Ties around the waist and keeps splashes off your clothes.
  • Baking sheet A flat metal tray for cookies and roasted vegetables.
  • Blender Spinning blades at the bottom of a jug turn fruit into a smoothie.
  • Bottle opener A lever that bends the metal cap off a glass bottle.
  • Bread box Keeps a loaf from drying out on the counter.
  • Butter knife A blunt blade for spreading, safe enough for small hands.
  • Cake pan Holds batter in shape while it sets in the oven.
  • Can opener A cutting wheel that travels around the rim of a tin.
  • Casserole dish An oven-safe dish that goes straight from the oven to the table.
  • Cereal bowl Deep enough to hold milk without it sloshing over.
  • Cheese grater Rough metal faces that shred cheese, carrots and citrus peel.
  • Chef's knife A broad blade about 20 cm long that handles most chopping jobs.
  • Chopsticks Two slim sticks held in one hand to pick up food.
  • Coffee maker Drips hot water through ground coffee into a pot.
  • Colander A bowl full of holes that drains pasta and washed vegetables.
  • Cookie cutter A metal outline that stamps shapes out of rolled dough.
  • Cookie jar A lidded jar that keeps biscuits crisp and in reach.
  • Corkscrew A metal spiral that twists into a cork and pulls it out.
  • Cutting board A flat surface that protects both the counter and the knife edge.
  • Dinner plate A flat dish for a main meal, usually about 25 cm across.
  • Dish rack Holds wet plates on edge so they drip dry.
  • Dish towel Dries plates and hands, and hangs on the oven door between jobs.
  • Dishwasher Sprays hot soapy water over racks of dirty dishes.
  • Drinking glass A see-through cup with no handle for water, milk and juice.
  • Drinking straw A thin tube for sipping from a glass.
  • Fork Spears and lifts food; most table forks have four tines.
  • French press A plunger pushes the coffee grounds to the bottom of the jug.
  • Frying pan A shallow pan with sloped sides for quick, hot cooking.
  • Funnel A wide mouth narrowing to a tube, for pouring into small openings.
  • Garlic press Squeezes a clove through small holes to crush it.
  • Ice cream scoop Curls hard ice cream into a ball.
  • Ice cube tray Freezes water into small blocks that pop out when you twist it.
  • Kettle Boils water, and many whistle or click off when it is ready.
  • Kitchen scale Weighs ingredients in grams or ounces.
  • Kitchen timer Counts down and rings when the food is due out.
  • Ladle A deep long-handled spoon for serving soup and stew.
  • Lunchbox Carries a packed meal to school or work.
  • Measuring cup Marked lines show how much liquid or flour you have poured.
  • Measuring spoons A nested set for small amounts such as a teaspoon of salt.
  • Microwave oven Heats food by making the water inside it vibrate.
  • Mixing bowl A wide, deep bowl with room to stir without spilling.
  • Mortar and pestle A heavy bowl and a club for crushing spices by hand.
  • Muffin tin A tray of cups that shapes batter into single portions.
  • Mug A thick-walled cup with a handle for hot drinks.
  • Napkin Wipes fingers and protects your lap at the table.
  • Oven mitt A padded glove for lifting hot trays.
  • Pepper mill Grinds whole peppercorns as you twist the top.
  • Pie dish A shallow dish with sloped sides that hold a crust.
  • Pizza cutter A sharp wheel that rolls through crust and cheese.
  • Placemat Marks one person's spot and shields the table from heat and spills.
  • Pot holder A thick cloth square that goes between your hand and a hot handle.
  • Refrigerator Keeps food at a few degrees above freezing so it lasts longer.
  • Rice cooker Switches itself to warm once the rice has soaked up the water.
  • Rolling pin A cylinder that flattens dough to an even thickness.
  • Salt shaker Small holes in the lid sprinkle salt a little at a time.
  • Saucepan A deep pan with one long handle for sauces, rice and boiling eggs.
  • Slow cooker Cooks a stew at low heat over several hours.
  • Spatula Slides under pancakes and eggs to flip them.
  • Sponge Soaks up water and scrubs plates clean.
  • Spoon Scoops soup, cereal and anything too runny for a fork.
  • Stand mixer A motor turns the beaters so you do not have to.
  • Stockpot The tallest pot in the kitchen, made for soup and pasta water.
  • Tablecloth Covers the whole table for a meal.
  • Teapot Holds hot water and tea leaves while the tea steeps.
  • Thermos A double wall with a vacuum between keeps drinks hot or cold for hours.
  • Toaster Heated wires brown the bread, then a spring pops it up.
  • Tongs Grip hot food so your fingers stay away from the pan.
  • Trash can Holds the rubbish until collection day.
  • Vegetable peeler A swivel blade that takes thin strips of skin off potatoes and carrots.
  • Waffle iron Two hinged hot plates press batter into a grid pattern.
  • Water bottle A refillable bottle that goes where you go.
  • Water pitcher A jug with a spout for pouring at the table.
  • Whisk Wire loops that beat air into eggs, cream and batter.
  • Wine glass A bowl on a stem, so your hand does not warm the drink.
  • Wok A bowl-shaped pan that stays hottest at the bottom for stir-frying.

Around the house 78

  • Alarm clock Rings at the time you set to wake you up.
  • Armchair A padded chair with sides to rest your arms on.
  • Bar of soap Loosens dirt and grease from skin so water can rinse them away.
  • Bath mat Gives wet feet a dry, non-slip place to land.
  • Bath towel A large towel for drying off after a wash.
  • Bathroom scale Shows your weight when you step on it.
  • Bathtub A long basin that you fill with water and sit in.
  • Bed frame Lifts the mattress off the floor.
  • Bed sheet Thin fabric that covers the mattress and washes easily.
  • Blanket A warm layer for a bed or a cold evening on the sofa.
  • Bookshelf Stacked shelves that hold books upright.
  • Broom Long bristles on a stick for sweeping floors.
  • Bucket An open container with a handle for carrying water.
  • Bunk bed Two beds stacked one over the other, joined by a ladder.
  • Candle A wick burning inside wax gives a small steady flame.
  • Ceiling fan Wide blades turning overhead push air around a room.
  • Clothes iron A hot flat plate that presses wrinkles out of fabric.
  • Clothespin A sprung clip that holds wet laundry on a line.
  • Coat hanger A shoulder-shaped frame that keeps a shirt from creasing.
  • Coat rack A stand or a row of hooks for coats and hats by the door.
  • Coffee table A low table that sits in front of a sofa.
  • Comb A row of teeth that parts and tidies hair.
  • Crib A small bed with high sides for a baby.
  • Curtains Fabric panels that slide across a window to block light.
  • Dental floss A thin thread that cleans between teeth.
  • Doorbell A button by the door that rings inside the house.
  • Doorknob A round handle that you turn to unlatch a door.
  • Doormat A rough mat outside the door for wiping shoes.
  • Dresser A chest of drawers for folded clothes.
  • Dustpan A flat scoop that catches what the broom gathers.
  • Feather duster Soft feathers on a handle lift dust off shelves.
  • Fire extinguisher Sprays foam or powder to put out a small fire.
  • Fireplace An open hearth in a wall where a wood fire can burn safely.
  • First aid kit A box of bandages, wipes and tape for small injuries.
  • Floor lamp A tall lamp that stands on the floor beside a chair.
  • Flower pot A container with a drainage hole for one growing plant.
  • Hair dryer Blows heated air to dry wet hair fast.
  • Hairbrush Bristles that smooth and untangle hair.
  • Hot water bottle A rubber bottle filled with warm water to heat a bed.
  • House key A cut metal blade that matches the pins of one lock.
  • Ironing board A narrow padded table that folds flat for storage.
  • Laundry basket Collects worn clothes until wash day.
  • Light bulb Turns electricity into light; most new ones use LEDs.
  • Mattress The thick padded part of a bed that you lie on.
  • Mirror Glass with a reflective backing that shows your own image.
  • Mop A head of absorbent strips on a pole for washing floors.
  • Nail clippers Two curved blades on a lever that trim fingernails.
  • Nightstand A small table beside a bed for a lamp, a book and a glass of water.
  • Padlock A lock with a hinged loop that you can move from place to place.
  • Picture frame Holds a photo flat behind glass.
  • Pillow A soft rest for your head while you sleep.
  • Plunger A rubber cup on a stick that clears a blocked drain by suction.
  • Quilt Two layers of fabric with padding between, stitched in a pattern.
  • Razor A very sharp blade that cuts hair at skin level.
  • Rocking chair Curved runners under the legs let it tip back and forth.
  • Rug A piece of thick fabric that covers part of a floor.
  • Shower curtain Keeps the spray inside the shower or tub.
  • Smoke detector Sounds an alarm when it senses smoke in the air.
  • Sofa A long padded seat for two or more people.
  • Space heater A small portable heater that warms one room.
  • Step stool One or two steps that help you reach a high shelf.
  • Table lamp A small lamp for a desk or a bedside.
  • Thermometer Measures temperature, of a room or of a person.
  • Throw pillow A small cushion that sits on a sofa for comfort or looks.
  • Tissue box Pops up one soft paper tissue at a time.
  • Toilet Flushes waste away with a rush of water from the tank.
  • Toilet paper roll Soft paper wound on a cardboard tube.
  • Toothbrush Small bristles that scrub plaque off teeth.
  • Toothpaste tube Squeezes out a strip of paste, usually with fluoride in it.
  • Tweezers Two narrow arms that pinch to pull out a splinter or a hair.
  • Umbrella stand A tall holder that catches drips from wet umbrellas.
  • Vacuum cleaner Sucks dust off the floor into a bag or a bin.
  • Vase An open container that holds cut flowers in water.
  • Wall clock Hangs where the whole room can read the time.
  • Wardrobe A tall cupboard with a rail for hanging clothes.
  • Washcloth A small square cloth for washing your face.
  • Washing machine Tumbles clothes in soapy water, then spins them nearly dry.
  • Window blinds Slats that tilt to let in more or less light.

School and office 65

  • Abacus Beads sliding on rods, used for counting long before calculators.
  • Backpack A bag worn on both shoulders, leaving the hands free.
  • Ballpoint pen A tiny rolling ball at the tip spreads ink onto paper.
  • Binder clip A sprung steel clip for stacks too thick for a paper clip.
  • Blackboard A dark board written on with chalk.
  • Bookmark A slip that keeps your place in a book.
  • Briefcase A flat case with a handle for carrying papers.
  • Bulletin board A cork board for pinning up notices.
  • Calculator Does arithmetic at the press of a few keys.
  • Chalk A soft white stick that writes on a blackboard and wipes off.
  • Clipboard A stiff board with a clip, for writing while standing up.
  • Colored pencil A pencil with a pigment core in place of graphite.
  • Crayon A stick of colored wax for drawing.
  • Day planner A dated book for appointments and to-do lists.
  • Desk A table made for writing and working, often with drawers.
  • Desk lamp A lamp with a bending neck to aim light at your work.
  • Dictionary Lists words in alphabetical order with their meanings.
  • Drawing compass A hinged pair of legs, one with a point and one with a pencil, for circles.
  • Envelope A folded paper pocket for mailing a letter.
  • Eraser Rubs pencil marks off paper.
  • Filing cabinet Deep drawers that hold folders hanging on rails.
  • Flash cards A question on one side and the answer on the other.
  • Fountain pen Feeds liquid ink down a split metal nib.
  • Globe A model of Earth on a tilted axis that spins.
  • Glue stick Solid glue in a twist-up tube, made for paper.
  • Highlighter See-through bright ink marks text and leaves it readable.
  • Hole punch Cuts neat round holes so pages fit in a binder.
  • Hourglass Sand falls from the top bulb to the bottom in a fixed time.
  • Index card A small stiff card for notes or flash cards.
  • Letter opener A dull blade that slits the top of an envelope.
  • Lunch tray A flat tray with sections for carrying a canteen meal.
  • Magnifying glass A convex lens that makes small print look bigger.
  • Manila folder A folded card that keeps loose papers in one place.
  • Microscope Stacked lenses that show things too small for the eye alone.
  • Name tag A badge that tells people what to call you.
  • Office chair A seat on wheels that swivels and adjusts in height.
  • Paper clip A bent loop of wire that holds a few sheets together.
  • Paper shredder Cuts documents into strips so they cannot be read.
  • Paperweight A heavy object that stops papers blowing away.
  • Pencil A graphite core in a wooden case; its marks rub out.
  • Pencil case A pouch that keeps pens and pencils together in a bag.
  • Pencil sharpener A small blade that shaves a pencil to a point.
  • Permanent marker Ink that stays put on plastic, metal and glass.
  • Postage stamp A small printed label that shows the postage has been paid.
  • Protractor A half circle marked from 0 to 180 degrees for measuring angles.
  • Pushpin A short pin with a plastic head for cork boards.
  • Ring binder Metal rings snap open to add or remove punched pages.
  • Rubber band A stretchy loop that bundles things together.
  • Rubber stamp A raised design pressed onto an ink pad, then onto paper.
  • Ruler A straight edge marked in centimeters or inches.
  • School bell Rings to mark the start and end of lessons.
  • Scissors Two blades on a pivot that slice paper as they close.
  • Spiral notebook Pages held by a wire coil, so it folds back flat.
  • Staple remover Two pairs of metal jaws that pry a staple open.
  • Stapler Pushes a wire staple through sheets and bends the ends flat.
  • Sticky notes Small sheets with a strip of glue that peels off cleanly.
  • Tape dispenser Holds a roll of sticky tape and cuts it on a toothed edge.
  • Test tube A thin glass tube closed at one end, used in chemistry.
  • Textbook A book written to teach one school subject.
  • Trophy A cup or figure given to the winner.
  • Wall calendar Shows a month at a glance with room to write in each day.
  • Wall map A flat picture of a place, drawn to scale.
  • Wastebasket A small bin that sits under a desk.
  • Whiteboard A glossy board you can write on and wipe clean.
  • Whiteboard marker Ink made to wipe off a smooth board with a dry cloth.

Tools and garage 70

  • Axe A heavy wedge on a handle that splits wood.
  • Bench vise Two jaws tightened by a screw that hold work still.
  • Bolt A threaded rod that needs a nut on the other end to hold.
  • Bungee cord A stretchy cord with a hook at each end for strapping loads down.
  • C-clamp A C-shaped frame with a screw that squeezes pieces together.
  • Car jack Lifts one corner of a car so a wheel can come off.
  • Caulk gun Squeezes sealant out of a tube in a steady bead.
  • Chain Metal links joined in a line, strong and flexible.
  • Chisel A flat steel blade struck with a mallet to carve wood.
  • Crowbar A steel bar with a hooked end for prying things apart.
  • Door hinge Two plates joined by a pin that let a door swing.
  • Drill bit A spiral cutter that carries waste out of the hole as it turns.
  • Duct tape Strong cloth-backed tape that tears by hand.
  • Dust mask Filters sawdust out of the air you breathe.
  • Electrical tape Stretchy vinyl tape that insulates bare wire.
  • Extension cord Carries power from a wall socket to where you need it.
  • Flashlight A battery-powered light you carry in your hand.
  • Gas can A sealed container made for carrying fuel.
  • Hacksaw A fine-toothed blade in a frame, made for cutting metal.
  • Hammer A weighted head on a handle that drives nails.
  • Hand saw A toothed blade that cuts wood as you push and pull.
  • Hard hat A rigid helmet that protects against falling objects.
  • Hex nut A six-sided ring with a threaded hole that tightens onto a bolt.
  • Hook A curved piece of metal for hanging things.
  • Horseshoe magnet A bent magnet with both poles side by side, which makes it pull harder.
  • Ice scraper A plastic blade that clears frost off a windshield.
  • Jumper cables Carry power from a good car battery to a flat one.
  • Ladder Two rails joined by rungs for climbing up.
  • Lug wrench A cross-shaped wrench that loosens the nuts on a car wheel.
  • Metal file A bar covered in fine teeth for shaping metal.
  • Multimeter Measures voltage, current and resistance in a circuit.
  • Nail A metal pin hammered in to join pieces of wood.
  • Oil can A can with a long spout that drips oil into tight spots.
  • Paint can A metal tin with a press-in lid that you pry open.
  • Paint roller A fuzzy cylinder that covers a wall faster than a brush.
  • Paintbrush Bristles that hold paint and lay it on smoothly.
  • Pickaxe A pointed steel head for breaking hard or rocky ground.
  • Pliers Hinged jaws that pinch, bend and pull.
  • Power drill Spins a bit to bore holes or drive screws.
  • Pulley A grooved wheel that lets a rope change the direction of a pull.
  • Putty knife A wide flexible blade that spreads filler and scrapes paint.
  • Rope Fibers twisted or braided into a strong line.
  • Rubber mallet A soft-headed hammer that taps without leaving dents.
  • Safety goggles Wrap-around lenses that protect eyes from flying chips.
  • Sandpaper Paper coated in grit that smooths wood by scratching it finely.
  • Screw A threaded fastener that grips as it turns into the material.
  • Screwdriver A shaped tip that fits the head of a screw and turns it.
  • Shop vacuum A rugged vacuum that picks up sawdust and even water.
  • Shovel A broad blade on a long handle for digging and lifting soil.
  • Sledgehammer A long two-handed hammer for breaking concrete.
  • Soldering iron A hot tip that melts solder to join wires.
  • Spare tire A backup wheel kept in the trunk.
  • Spirit level A bubble in a tube sits in the middle when a surface is flat.
  • Stepladder A folding ladder that stands up by itself.
  • Stud finder Senses the wooden frame hidden behind a wall.
  • Super glue Bonds in seconds when pressed thin between two surfaces.
  • Tape measure A flexible steel rule that rolls back into its case.
  • Tire pressure gauge Reads the air pressure inside a tire.
  • Tire pump Pushes air into a tire through its valve.
  • Toolbox A carrying case with trays for hand tools.
  • Traffic cone A bright cone that marks off part of a road.
  • Utility knife A sliding razor blade in a handle for cardboard and carpet.
  • Wall anchor A plastic sleeve that expands in the wall to hold a screw.
  • Washer A flat ring that spreads the pressure under a nut.
  • Wheelbarrow One wheel at the front and two handles at the back, for moving heavy loads.
  • Wire cutters Short sharp jaws that snip through wire.
  • Work gloves Tough gloves that guard against splinters and blisters.
  • Workbench A sturdy table built to take hammering and sawing.
  • Wrench Jaws that grip a nut or bolt so you can turn it.
  • Zip tie A plastic strap that locks tight and only pulls one way.

Garden, camping and sports 90

  • American football An oval ball whose pointed ends help it spiral through the air.
  • Anchor A heavy hooked weight that holds a boat in place.
  • Badminton shuttlecock A cone of feathers on a cork base that always flies nose first.
  • Barbecue grill Cooks food on a metal grate over charcoal or gas.
  • Baseball A cork center wrapped in yarn and covered in stitched leather.
  • Baseball bat A smooth club of wood or metal for hitting a pitched ball.
  • Baseball glove A padded leather glove with a web pocket for catching.
  • Basketball An orange ball with a pebbled surface for grip.
  • Beach towel Longer than a bath towel, so you can lie on it.
  • Beach umbrella A shade with a pointed pole that pushes into the sand.
  • Bicycle Two wheels, pedals and a chain that drives the back wheel.
  • Bicycle helmet A foam shell that absorbs the blow in a fall.
  • Bike lock A chain, cable or steel U that secures a bike to a rack.
  • Binoculars Two small telescopes side by side, one for each eye.
  • Bird feeder Holds seed where you can watch wild birds eat.
  • Birdhouse A small box with an entry hole where birds can nest.
  • Bowling ball A heavy ball with finger holes, rolled at ten pins.
  • Bug spray Keeps mosquitoes and ticks from landing on you.
  • Camping stove A small gas burner for cooking at a campsite.
  • Canoe A narrow open boat that you paddle from a kneeling or seated position.
  • Canteen A tough flask for carrying drinking water on a hike.
  • Compass A magnetic needle that always swings to point north.
  • Compost bin Turns kitchen scraps and leaves into rich soil.
  • Cooler An insulated box that keeps food and drinks cold with ice.
  • Dumbbell A short bar with a weight at each end, for one hand.
  • Fire pit A ring or bowl that contains an open fire outdoors.
  • Fishing net A mesh bag on a hoop for lifting a fish out of the water.
  • Fishing rod A long flexible pole that casts a line and hook.
  • Flying disc A plastic disc that glides when thrown with a spin.
  • Garden gate A swinging section of fence that lets you through.
  • Garden gnome A small painted statue that stands among the plants.
  • Garden hoe A flat blade that chops weeds off at the roots.
  • Garden hose A flexible tube that carries water from the tap to the plants.
  • Gardening gloves Protect hands from thorns and soil.
  • Golf ball Hundreds of dimples on its surface help it fly farther.
  • Golf club A long shaft with an angled head for striking a ball off the ground.
  • Hammock A sling of fabric or net hung between two supports.
  • Hand trowel A small pointed scoop for digging planting holes.
  • Hedge trimmer A long toothed blade that shapes a hedge.
  • Hiking boots Ankle-high boots with deep tread for rough trails.
  • Hockey stick A long stick with a flat blade for steering a puck or ball.
  • Hula hoop A large ring kept spinning around the waist.
  • Ice skates Boots with a steel blade for gliding on ice.
  • Jump rope A rope with handles that you swing over your head and hop.
  • Kayak paddle A shaft with a blade at each end.
  • Kick scooter A footboard with a handlebar; you push off the ground with one foot.
  • Lantern A light with a handle, shielded on all sides.
  • Lawn mower Spinning blades that cut grass to an even height.
  • Lawn sprinkler Sprays water across the grass in a moving arc.
  • Leaf blower A strong jet of air that pushes leaves into a pile.
  • Life jacket A buoyant vest that keeps your head above water.
  • Mailbox A box by the road or the door where letters are delivered.
  • Park bench A long seat for sharing in a park or garden.
  • Patio umbrella A large shade on a pole over an outdoor table.
  • Picnic basket A lidded basket for carrying a meal outdoors.
  • Picnic table A table with benches attached, built for the outdoors.
  • Pocket knife A folding blade that tucks safely into its own handle.
  • Pruning shears Strong short-bladed scissors for cutting stems and twigs.
  • Rain barrel Collects rainwater from a roof gutter for watering later.
  • Rain gauge A marked tube that shows how much rain has fallen.
  • Rake A row of tines that gathers leaves into a pile.
  • Referee whistle A short sharp blast that stops play.
  • Roller skates Boots with two pairs of wheels, side by side.
  • Scarecrow A stuffed figure on a pole meant to frighten birds off crops.
  • Seed packet A paper envelope of seeds with planting notes printed on the back.
  • Skateboard A short board on four wheels that you steer by leaning.
  • Skis Long narrow boards for sliding over snow, one per foot.
  • Sled Slides downhill on snow, on runners or a smooth base.
  • Sleeping bag A zip-up padded bag that keeps you warm at night outdoors.
  • Snorkel A curved tube that lets you breathe with your face in the water.
  • Snow shovel A wide light scoop for clearing a path.
  • Snowboard One wide board ridden standing sideways on snow.
  • Soccer ball A round ball, often stitched from 32 panels, moved mostly with the feet.
  • Stopwatch Times an event to a fraction of a second.
  • Sunscreen bottle Holds lotion that blocks some of the sun's ultraviolet light.
  • Surfboard A long board for riding breaking waves.
  • Swim fins Wide rubber blades on your feet for a stronger kick.
  • Swim goggles Sealed lenses that let you see clearly underwater.
  • Table tennis paddle A small rubber-faced bat for a very light ball.
  • Tackle box A case with small compartments for hooks, lures and line.
  • Telescope Gathers light to make distant things look closer.
  • Tennis ball A hollow rubber ball covered in fuzzy felt.
  • Tennis racket A strung oval frame for hitting a ball over a net.
  • Tent A fabric shelter held up by poles and pegged to the ground.
  • Volleyball A light ball kept in the air with hands and arms.
  • Walking stick A third point of balance on uneven ground.
  • Watering can A can with a long spout and a sprinkler head called a rose.
  • Weather vane An arrow on a roof that turns to show where the wind comes from.
  • Wind chime Hanging tubes that ring when the breeze knocks them together.
  • Yoga mat A thin grippy mat that stops hands and feet slipping.

Clothes and accessories 68

  • Ball of yarn Spun fiber wound into a ball for knitting or crochet.
  • Bandana A square of printed cotton tied around the head or neck.
  • Baseball cap A soft cap with a stiff brim at the front.
  • Bathrobe A loose wrap worn after a bath or over pajamas.
  • Beanie A close-fitting knitted hat for cold days.
  • Belt A strap around the waist that holds trousers up.
  • Boots Shoes that come up over the ankle.
  • Bow tie A short tie knotted into the shape of a bow.
  • Bracelet A band or chain worn around the wrist.
  • Button A small disc that slips through a slit to fasten clothes.
  • Button-up shirt A shirt with a collar that fastens down the front.
  • Cardigan A sweater that opens at the front with buttons.
  • Coin purse A small pouch with a clasp, just for coins.
  • Cowboy hat A high crown and a wide curled brim, made for sun and rain.
  • Denim jacket A short jacket cut from the same cloth as jeans.
  • Dress A one-piece garment with a top and a skirt.
  • Duffel bag A soft cylinder-shaped bag with a zip along the top.
  • Earmuffs Two padded cups on a band that keep ears warm.
  • Earrings Jewelry worn on the ears, usually as a pair.
  • Eyeglasses Lenses in a frame that correct how your eyes focus.
  • Flip-flops Flat sandals held on by a Y-shaped strap between the toes.
  • Gloves Coverings with a separate sleeve for each finger.
  • Hair clip A sprung clip that pins hair out of the way.
  • Hair tie A small elastic loop that holds a ponytail.
  • Handbag A bag carried by hand or over one shoulder.
  • Headband A band that keeps hair off the face.
  • High heels Shoes that lift the heel well above the toes.
  • Hoodie A sweatshirt with a hood and often a front pocket.
  • Jeans Trousers of tough cotton denim with riveted pockets.
  • Knitting needles Two long rods that loop yarn into fabric.
  • Lint roller Sticky paper on a handle that lifts fluff off clothes.
  • Mittens Keep fingers together in one pocket, which is warmer than gloves.
  • Necklace A chain or string of beads worn around the neck.
  • Necktie A long strip of cloth knotted under a shirt collar.
  • Overalls Trousers with a bib held up by shoulder straps.
  • Pajamas Soft loose clothes made for sleeping in.
  • Pincushion A small stuffed pad that stores pins point down.
  • Rain boots Tall waterproof boots for puddles and mud.
  • Raincoat A waterproof coat that sheds rain.
  • Ring A small band worn on a finger.
  • Safety pin A pin whose point tucks into a guard so it cannot prick you.
  • Sandals Open shoes held on with straps.
  • Scarf A long strip of fabric wrapped around the neck.
  • Sewing needle A thin steel point with an eye that carries thread through fabric.
  • Shoehorn A smooth curve that helps a heel slide into a tight shoe.
  • Shoelaces Cords threaded through eyelets to pull a shoe tight.
  • Shorts Trousers that end above the knee.
  • Skirt A garment that hangs from the waist with no legs.
  • Slippers Soft shoes worn only indoors.
  • Sneakers Rubber-soled shoes made for running and sport.
  • Socks Knitted covers that cushion feet inside shoes.
  • Spool of thread Thread wound on a small reel, ready for sewing.
  • Suitcase A rigid travel case, often with wheels and a pull-out handle.
  • Sun hat A wide brim all the way round shades the face and neck.
  • Sunglasses Tinted lenses that cut glare from the sun.
  • Suspenders Straps over the shoulders that hold trousers up.
  • Sweater A knitted top that traps warm air.
  • Swimsuit Made from fabric that dries fast and keeps its shape when wet.
  • T-shirt A collarless pullover shirt shaped like the letter T.
  • Thimble A small cap that protects the fingertip while pushing a needle.
  • Tote bag A large open bag with two parallel handles.
  • Umbrella A folding canopy on a stick that keeps rain off.
  • Uniform Matching clothes that show you belong to a team, school or job.
  • Vest A sleeveless layer worn over a shirt.
  • Wallet A folding case for cash and cards.
  • Winter coat A thick outer layer for cold weather.
  • Wristwatch A small clock worn on a strap around the wrist.
  • Zipper Two rows of teeth that a slider locks together.

Toys, games and party 70

  • Action figure A small posable figure of a hero or character.
  • Balloon A thin rubber bag that swells when filled with air or helium.
  • Beach ball A big, light, inflatable ball that floats on the breeze.
  • Bean bag A small cloth sack of dried beans for tossing games.
  • Birthday candle A thin candle made to stand in a cake.
  • Board game A game played by moving pieces on a marked board.
  • Bubble wand A loop dipped in soapy water to blow bubbles.
  • Building blocks Stackable pieces for making towers and houses.
  • Checkers Flat round pieces that jump each other on a chessboard.
  • Chess set Thirty-two pieces and a board of 64 squares.
  • Coloring book Printed outlines waiting to be filled in.
  • Dartboard A round target split into 20 numbered wedges.
  • Deck of cards Fifty-two cards in four suits, often with two jokers.
  • Dice Cubes numbered 1 to 6; opposite faces always add up to 7.
  • Dollhouse A miniature house with tiny rooms and furniture.
  • Dominoes Tiles with two ends; in the usual set each end shows zero to six dots.
  • Easel A stand that holds a painting upright while you work.
  • Finger paint Thick washable paint that you spread with your hands.
  • Foosball table Rows of small players on rods kick a ball.
  • Friendship bracelet Knotted threads given to a friend to wear.
  • Gift box A wrapped box that hides a present.
  • Glow stick Bend it to mix two liquids that glow for hours.
  • Hand puppet Fits over the hand like a glove and moves with your fingers.
  • Jack-in-the-box A figure on a spring that pops up when the lid opens.
  • Jacks Small six-pointed pieces scooped up between bounces of a ball.
  • Jigsaw puzzle Interlocking pieces that fit together into one picture.
  • Kaleidoscope Mirrors in a tube turn loose beads into repeating patterns.
  • Kite A light frame covered in fabric that flies on the wind at the end of a string.
  • Magic wand A short stick waved by a stage magician.
  • Marbles Small glass balls flicked at each other in a ring.
  • Marionette A puppet worked from above by strings.
  • Modeling clay A soft material that holds whatever shape you press into it.
  • Music box A turning cylinder with pins that pluck a tiny metal comb.
  • Origami paper Thin square sheets made for folding.
  • Party hat A paper cone with an elastic chin strap.
  • Party popper Pull the string and it fires paper streamers with a bang.
  • Piggy bank A pot with a slot in the top for saving coins.
  • Piñata A decorated container of sweets, broken open with a stick at a party.
  • Pinball machine Flippers knock a steel ball around a sloped table.
  • Playground slide A smooth chute you climb up to and slide down.
  • Pogo stick A pole with a spring at the bottom and footrests for bouncing.
  • Pool cue A tapered stick for striking the white cue ball.
  • Puzzle cube A cube of twisting colored faces that you try to make match.
  • Rag doll A soft doll sewn from cloth.
  • Remote control car A toy car steered by radio from a handset.
  • Rocking horse A toy horse mounted on curved rockers.
  • Rubber duck A hollow toy duck that floats in the bath.
  • Sand bucket A small pail that molds damp sand into castle towers.
  • Sandbox A low box of sand for digging and building.
  • Seesaw A long board balanced in the middle; one end goes up as the other goes down.
  • Sketchbook A book of blank pages for drawing.
  • Snow globe A sealed globe of liquid where white flakes swirl when shaken.
  • Spinning top Balances on its point for as long as it keeps spinning.
  • Spring toy A loose metal coil that can walk itself down stairs.
  • Sticker sheet Peel-off pictures with a sticky back.
  • Stilts A pair of poles with footrests that make you taller.
  • Swing A seat hung from ropes or chains that moves back and forth.
  • Teddy bear A soft stuffed toy bear.
  • Top hat A tall flat-topped hat, the classic hiding place for a magician's rabbit.
  • Toy car A small model car that rolls.
  • Toy robot A toy machine shaped like a person.
  • Toy train A model engine and cars that run on a track.
  • Trampoline A springy sheet stretched on a frame for bouncing.
  • Tricycle A three-wheeled cycle for small children.
  • Video game controller Buttons and sticks that send your moves to the game.
  • Wagon A four-wheeled cart pulled by a long handle.
  • Water gun Squirts a stream of water.
  • Whoopee cushion A rubber bag that makes a rude noise when someone sits on it.
  • Wooden blocks Plain shapes of wood for the simplest kind of building.
  • Yo-yo A spool that runs down its string and climbs back up.

Tech, sound and music 70

  • Acoustic guitar A hollow wooden body makes the six strings louder.
  • Air conditioner Moves heat from inside a room to the outside.
  • Air purifier Pulls room air through a filter that traps dust and pollen.
  • Battery Stores chemical energy and releases it as electricity.
  • Bluetooth speaker Plays sound sent wirelessly from a phone.
  • Camera drone A small remote-controlled aircraft that films from above.
  • Camera tripod Three legs that hold a camera perfectly still.
  • Cassette tape Music stored on a thin magnetic ribbon wound between two reels.
  • Charging cable Carries power, and often data, to a device.
  • Compact disc A laser reads billions of microscopic pits on its shiny side.
  • Computer monitor The screen that a desktop computer sends its picture to.
  • Computer mouse Slides on a desk to move the pointer on the screen.
  • Desktop computer A computer that stays on a desk and plugs into the wall.
  • Digital camera Records pictures on a light sensor in place of film.
  • Doorbell camera Shows who is at the door on your phone.
  • Drum kit A set of drums and cymbals played by one seated drummer.
  • E-reader A screen that looks like paper and holds a whole library of books.
  • Earbuds Tiny speakers that sit inside the ear.
  • Electric fan A motor spins angled blades to move air.
  • Electric guitar Magnetic pickups turn string vibration into a signal for an amplifier.
  • Electric toothbrush A motor moves the bristles thousands of times a minute.
  • External hard drive Extra storage in a box that connects by cable.
  • Film camera Exposes a strip of light-sensitive film, one frame per photo.
  • Film projector Shines moving pictures onto a wall or screen.
  • Fitness tracker A band that counts steps and measures heart rate.
  • Flute You blow across a hole near one end, the way you would across a bottle top.
  • Game console A computer built only for playing video games.
  • Hand bell A metal cup with a clapper inside that rings when shaken.
  • Harmonica A pocket instrument; you get different notes blowing out and drawing in.
  • Headphones Two small speakers worn over the ears.
  • Humidifier Adds water vapor to dry air.
  • Keyboard Rows of keys that send letters to a computer.
  • Landline telephone A phone wired into the wall.
  • Laptop A folding computer with its own screen, keyboard and battery.
  • Memory card A chip the size of a fingernail that stores photos in a camera.
  • Metronome Ticks at a steady speed to keep a musician in time.
  • Microphone Turns sound waves into an electrical signal.
  • Mouse pad A smooth mat that helps a mouse track evenly.
  • Music stand Holds sheet music at eye level.
  • Piano Pressing a key throws a felt hammer at a set of strings; there are 88 keys.
  • Pocket calculator watch A digital watch with a tiny keypad on its face.
  • Power bank A battery pack that recharges a phone on the go.
  • Power strip Turns one wall socket into several.
  • Printer Puts what is on the screen onto paper.
  • Radio Picks up broadcast signals from the air and turns them into sound.
  • Record player A needle rides the groove of a spinning vinyl disc.
  • Robot vacuum Steers itself around a room while it cleans the floor.
  • Rotary phone An old telephone where you turn a dial once for every digit.
  • Saxophone A brass body with a single-reed mouthpiece.
  • Scanner Turns a paper page into a picture file.
  • Security camera Records what happens in one spot around the clock.
  • Smartphone A pocket computer that also makes calls.
  • Smartwatch A wrist-worn computer that links to your phone.
  • Tablet A touch-screen computer with no keyboard attached.
  • Tambourine A hand drum with metal jingles set in the rim.
  • Television A screen that shows broadcast or streamed video.
  • Thermostat Switches the heating on and off to hold a set temperature.
  • Trumpet A brass horn with three valves that change the note.
  • Tuning fork A steel fork that rings at exactly one pitch when struck.
  • TV remote Most send invisible infrared pulses to change the channel.
  • Typewriter Each key swings a metal letter against an inked ribbon.
  • Ukulele A small four-stringed guitar from Hawaii.
  • USB flash drive A thumb-sized stick that stores files and plugs straight in.
  • Vinyl record Music stored as a wiggling spiral groove.
  • Violin Four strings played with a bow of horsehair.
  • VR headset Shows each eye its own screen so a scene looks three-dimensional.
  • Walkie-talkie A handheld two-way radio; only one person can talk at a time.
  • Wall charger Converts mains power to the low voltage a phone needs.
  • Webcam A small camera that sends live video from a computer.
  • Wi-Fi router Shares one internet connection with devices by radio.

How this list was compiled: Written for this site by walking through a home, a school, a workshop, a garden and a sports bag and listing the man-made things most people can picture without looking them up. Living things, food and brand names are left out on purpose. Every one-line use is our own wording. The counts in those lines (88 piano keys, 64 squares on a chessboard, 52 cards in a deck, 20 wedges on a dartboard, opposite faces of a die adding to 7) are standard reference facts, reviewed 2026-09-18. Licence: own work