Dictionary
MacGuffin
noun Mac·Guf·fin \mə-ˈgə-fən\
Definition of MACGUFFIN
: an object, event, or character in a film or story that serves to set and keep the plot in motion despite usually lacking intrinsic importance
See MacGuffin defined for kids
Variants of MACGUFFIN
Mac·Guf·fin or Mc·Guf·fin \mə-ˈgə-fən\
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of MACGUFFIN
coined by Alfred Hitchcock
First Known Use: circa 1939
Learn More About MACGUFFIN
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: machPrevious Word in the Dictionary: Macgillivray's warblerAll Words Near: MacGuffin
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up MacGuffin? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).