Few words trip people up like this one. You hear it in casual chats, then wonder how to write it. So, whatnot or what not? The short answer is simple: it is always one word.
This guide covers both meanings, correct spelling, the plural, and formal alternatives. Along the way, you will see clear examples and simple tips. By the end, you will use whatnot with confidence in speech and writing.
Is Whatnot a Word?
Yes, is whatnot a word is an easy question to answer. Whatnot is a real English word. Dictionaries list it as a noun, and it has appeared in print since the early 16th century. So, you can use it without worry in friendly writing and speech.
Over time, its meaning has shifted. Early writers used it for an unspecified thing, while later speakers also used it for a small shelf stand. Today, people still say it daily, especially in relaxed conversation and casual writing.
Whatnot in Everyday Conversation
You will mostly hear whatnot in spoken English. Friends use it to wrap up a list without naming every item. For example, someone might mention snacks, drinks, and whatnot for a cozy movie night this weekend.
Writers also use it in blogs, emails, and stories. However, it sounds relaxed, so it fits a friendly tone best. Meanwhile, formal papers and reports usually call for other phrases, which we cover later in this guide.
Whatnot Meaning
The whatnot meaning depends on context. Both uses are correct. The word works in two ways: as a casual catch-all term and as a piece of furniture. Let us look at each use, plus its grammar role.
Whatnot as a Casual Expression
Most people use whatnot to mean random or miscellaneous things. It stands in for items you cannot recall or do not want to list. As a result, it keeps sentences short, relaxed, and easy to read.
Here is a quick example: “The soup has beef, barley, carrots, and whatnot.” Notice how the speaker names a few ingredients, then signals that more items exist. In other words, whatnot covers the details they skip.
Whatnot as a Piece of Furniture
The second meaning is less familiar. A whatnot is a freestanding, open shelving unit that holds small decorative items. Think of it as a tall stand with several tiers, made for display rather than storage.
People often fill these shelves with trinkets, figurines, and collectibles. The style became popular in Victorian homes, where families loved showing off keepsakes. Today, you can still find antique versions at yard sales and vintage shops.
Whatnot as a Noun
Grammatically, whatnot is a noun. It names a thing, even though that thing is vague. Therefore, you can place it where any other noun would sit, usually at the end of a list or clause.
Because it is a noun, it can take a plural form when it means the shelf. If you want a refresher on this part of speech, read our guide to nouns. It explains the basics clearly.
Whatnot vs. What Not
Many writers ask about whatnot vs. what not because both look natural. However, only one version is correct. Below, you will find the rule, a quick comparison, a hyphen note, and a simple memory trick.
Why “What Not” Is Incorrect
Whatnot is a single word in every context. The two-word version, “what not,” is incorrect when you mean miscellaneous things or the shelf. No exception applies here, so you should always join the letters together.
Still, “what not” does exist in rare cases. In a phrase like “what not to wear,” the two words belong to separate parts of a sentence. That use is not the noun whatnot. Therefore, check the context first.
Whatnot Hyphenated: Is It Allowed?
Some writers use a hyphen, as in “what-not.” Older texts show this form more often. Modern dictionaries, however, list whatnot as one closed word, and that spelling is the safest choice today for any audience.
So, if a style guide does not demand a hyphen, skip it. Consistency matters most across your article. Likewise, never insert a space, since that creates the incorrect “what not” form. Readers notice small slips like that quickly.
Whatnot or What Not: Quick Comparison
Here is a fast side-by-side look. Correct: “I bought pens, tape, and whatnot.” Incorrect: “I bought pens, tape, and what not.” The first sentence uses the noun properly, while the second splits the word without reason.
Likewise, the shelf meaning follows the same rule. Correct: “She dusted the whatnot.” Incorrect: “She dusted the what not.” In both cases, one solid word keeps your writing clean and error-free. Therefore, memorize the single-word form.
Easy Tip to Remember the Correct Spelling
Try this trick: picture a shelf holding many small things. A shelf is one object, so whatnot is one word. That mental image makes the spelling stick, even when you type fast on your phone.
Another option is to compare it with similar compounds like “somewhat” and “cannot.” Each blends small words into one. Similarly, whatnot blends “what” and “not” into a single noun. Once you notice the pattern, mistakes disappear.
What Is the Formal Version of Whatnot?
Writers often ask about the formal version of whatnot. The honest answer is that whatnot itself is informal. Formal writing uses other phrases that carry the same idea, and they are easy to learn quickly.
Is Whatnot Formal or Informal?
Whatnot sits in the informal zone. It suits blogs, chats, and personal emails. In contrast, it can look too casual in academic essays, legal documents, or business reports. Your audience should guide your choice of tone.
That said, it is not slang or rude. Many respected writers use it for a warm, conversational feel. Simply match the word to the setting, and you will avoid any awkward moments in your writing.
Formal Alternatives to Whatnot
Four phrases work well in formal writing. They are “et cetera,” “and so on,” “and so forth,” and “and what have you.” Each one signals that a list continues without naming every item. Of these, three sound polished.
“Et cetera” comes from Latin and means “and the rest.” Writers often shorten it to “etc.” in lists. Meanwhile, “and so on” fits almost any sentence, so it is the safest all-purpose swap in formal prose.
Formal Alternatives in a Sentence
Here are the alternatives in action. “She packed sandwiches, fruit, juice, et cetera.” Next, “He needs to wash the car, fix the fence, pay the bills, and so on.” Both sound smooth and polished to readers.
Two more examples follow. “They talked about travel, money, and so forth.” Finally, “Dad grows tomatoes, peppers, herbs, and what have you.” Each sentence keeps its meaning without using whatnot. Therefore, you can swap them freely.
What Is the Plural of Whatnot?
The plural of whatnot is simply “whatnots.” Add an s, and you are done. No spelling changes, extra letters, or special rules apply, which makes this one of the easiest plurals in English to remember.
However, you will rarely need it. The plural fits only the furniture meaning, since several shelves can stand in one room. For the casual meaning, whatnot already covers many things, so no plural is needed.
When to Use Whatnots in a Sentence
Use “whatnots” when you describe more than one shelf unit. For instance, “The antique shop displayed three whatnots near the window.” Here, the plural clearly points to separate pieces of furniture. Readers instantly picture the shelves.
Avoid forms like “I bought pens and whatnots.” That sentence sounds odd because the casual meaning needs no plural. Instead, write “pens and whatnot,” and your sentence stays natural, clear, and easy to read. Simple, right?
Synonyms for Whatnot
Good synonyms for whatnot include “et cetera,” “and so on,” “and so forth,” and “and what have you.” You can also try “miscellaneous items,” “odds and ends,” or “various things.” Each choice trims repetition in your writing.
However, synonyms do not always fit perfectly. “Odds and ends” suggests small leftover items, while “various things” sounds neutral. Therefore, pick the phrase that matches your topic and tone, not just the one you remember first.
Casual vs. Formal Synonyms for Whatnot
Casual options include “odds and ends,” “and what have you,” and “various things.” They feel friendly and flexible. For example, “She kept ribbons, buttons, and odds and ends in a small tin.” Notice the warm tone.
Formal options include “et cetera,” “and so on,” “and so forth,” and “miscellaneous items.” They suit reports and essays. For instance, “The report covers budgets, staffing, and so on.” Choose based on your reader and purpose.
Whatnot Examples in a Sentence
Seeing whatnot examples in a sentence makes the word easier to grasp. Below, you will find samples for both meanings, followed by common mistakes. Read them aloud to hear the natural rhythm. Practice builds confidence fast.
Examples Using Whatnot as Miscellaneous Things
Start with the casual meaning. “Maya spent Saturday buying jackets, boots, scarves, and whatnot.” Likewise, “Sam kept wires, bolts, and whatnot in his garage.” Both sentences clearly hint at extra items without listing them all.
Here are two more. “I’m heading to the store for milk, soap, and whatnot.” Also, “Dad’s desk is piled with papers, pens, and whatnot.” In each case, the word wraps up the list neatly and keeps the tone relaxed.
Examples Using Whatnot as a Shelving Unit
Now consider the furniture meaning. “Grandma keeps her teacups on an old whatnot in the hallway.” Likewise, “The whatnot in the corner held seashells, small clocks, and tiny glass animals.” These sentences clearly describe a shelf.
Context makes the meaning clear. When a sentence includes an article like “a” or “the” before whatnot, it usually points to the shelf. At the end of a list, it usually means miscellaneous things. Watch for these clues.
Read more: Attain vs Obtain: Learn the Difference and Never Mix Up
Common Mistakes with What Not vs. Whatnot
Mistakes usually involve spacing. Incorrect: “We bought candles, cards, and what not.” Correct: “We bought candles, cards, and whatnot.” The fix is quick and easy, since you only need to remove the space.
Another slip involves the plural. Incorrect: “She loves pens and whatnots.” Correct: “She loves pens and whatnot.” Finally, avoid using whatnot in very formal papers. Choose “et cetera” or “and so on” instead. Small edits like these polish your writing.
Spelling and Grammar and Whatnot
Here is the quick recap. Whatnot is one word, never “what not.” It carries two meanings: miscellaneous things and an open shelf for trinkets. Moreover, its plural, “whatnots,” applies only to the furniture sense of the word.
Next time you chat or write, try using whatnot naturally. It adds a friendly, relaxed tone to any list. And if you want a formal touch, simply swap in “et cetera” or “and so on.”
Conclusion
So, whatnot or what not? The answer is clear: whatnot is one word, and it works as a noun. It can mean random things in a list, or a freestanding shelf for trinkets and collectibles. Never split it into two words when you mean either one. Use “whatnots” only for several shelves. In formal writing, switch to “et cetera,” “and so on,” or “and so forth.” With these simple rules, you can write confidently and sound natural. Remember, small choices shape how readers see you. Now, try the word in your next message, and enjoy this quirky piece of English.
FAQs
Is it whatnot or what not?
It is “whatnot,” one word. The two-word version, “what not,” is incorrect for miscellaneous things or the shelf, so always join the letters.
Is whatnot a real word?
Yes, whatnot is a real English noun. Dictionaries list it, and it has appeared in print since the early 16th century. Use it freely today.
What does whatnot mean?
Whatnot means random or miscellaneous things, often at the end of a list. It also names a freestanding open shelf that displays trinkets and collectibles.
What is the plural of whatnot?
The plural is “whatnots.” Use it only when you mean several shelving units. For the casual meaning, keep the singular, like pens, tape, and whatnot.
What can I say instead of whatnot?
Try “et cetera,” “and so on,” “and so forth,” “and what have you,” “odds and ends,” or “miscellaneous items.” Formal writing prefers the first three.
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