Device vs. gadget

[Nicole]

Hello, is there any significant difference between device and gadget? To me, device sounds more modern and according to my dictionary, a gadget is a mechanical device. In my opinion, a device usually runs on electricity. Is that right?
Thank you so much,
Nicole
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[Jamie (K)]

A gadget and a device are the same thing, but device sounds more refined and formal, while gadget has a slangier sound with a slight tinge of "I don't know what this is." Sometimes gadget comes close to German "Dingsbums".