What is the meaning of tinker?

noun

  • A person who enjoys fixing and experimenting with machines and their parts.
  • Formerly a person (traditionally a Gypsy) who traveled from place to place mending pots and kettles and other metal utensils as a way to earn a living.
  • Small mackerel found nearly worldwide.

verb

  • Do random, unplanned work or activities or spend time idly.
    • usage: "The old lady is usually mucking about in her little house"
  • Work as a tinker or tinkerer.
  • Try to fix or mend.
    • usage: "Can you tinker with the T. V. Set-it's not working right"; "She always fiddles with her van on the weekend"
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APAWordNet. (2010). tinker. Retrieved September 20, 2026, from http://smartdefine.org/tinker/definitions/1232566
ChicagoWordNet. 2010. "tinker" http://smartdefine.org/tinker/definitions/1232566 (accessed September 20, 2026).
HarvardWordNet 2010, tinker, Smart Define, viewed 20 September, 2026, <http://smartdefine.org/tinker/definitions/1232566>.
MLAWordNet. "tinker" 23 October 2010. Web. 20 September 2026. <http://smartdefine.org/tinker/definitions/1232566>
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