Source : WordNet®

widget
     n : a device that is very useful for a particular job [syn: {appliance},
          {contraption}, {contrivance}, {convenience}, {gadget}, {gizmo},
          {gismo}]

Source : Free On-Line Dictionary of Computing

widget
     
        1. A meta-thing.  Used to stand for a real object in didactic
        examples (especially database tutorials).  Legend has it that
        the original widgets were holders for buggy whips.  "But
        suppose the parts list for a widget has 52 entries..."
     
        2. [possibly evoking "window gadget"] In graphical user
        interfaces, a combination of a graphic symbol and some program
        code to perform a specific function.  E.g. a scroll-bar or
        button.  Windowing systems usually provide widget libraries
        containing commonly used widgets drawn in a certain style and
        with consistent behaviour.
     
        [{Jargon File}]