tinker

1 of 2

verb

tin·​ker ˈtiŋ-kər How to pronounce tinker (audio)
tinkered; tinkering ˈtiŋ-k(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce tinker (audio)
Synonyms of tinker

intransitive verb

: to work in the manner of a tinker
especially : to repair, adjust, or work with something in an unskilled or experimental manner : fiddle
always tinkering with his car

transitive verb

: to repair, adjust, or experiment with
tinkerer
ˈtiŋ-kər-ər How to pronounce tinker (audio)
noun

tinker

2 of 2

noun

plural tinkers
1
a
: a usually itinerant mender of household utensils
b
: an unskillful mender : bungler
2
chiefly Ireland, sometimes offensive : romani sense 1

Synonyms of tinker

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Verb

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Examples of tinker in a Sentence

Verb He was tinkering in the garage.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
After that, the two tinkered with a few start-up concepts, including one meant to help people surprise their friends with gifts—like wine at a restaurant. — Andrew Zucker, Vanity Fair, 14 Aug. 2026 Megan and Cupcake have no shortage of gadgets, gizmos and imagination to tinker with. — Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 13 Aug. 2026
Noun
The Academy also made a bunch of other tinkers. — Scott Feinberg, HollywoodReporter, 1 May 2026 Miami Dolphins fans who thought the new regime might come in with a tinker and a tweak learned otherwise with a sudden jolt on Monday. — Miami Herald, 16 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tinker

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English tinkere

First Known Use

Verb

1655, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of tinker was in the 13th century

Phrases Containing tinker

Rhymes for tinker

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Browse Nearby Words

tink
tinker
tinker's curse
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tinker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tinker. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

tinker

1 of 2 noun
tin·​ker ˈtiŋ-kər How to pronounce tinker (audio)
: a person who travels around and earns a living by repairing household utensils (as pots and pans)

tinker

2 of 2 verb
tinkered; tinkering ˈtiŋ-k(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce tinker (audio)
: to repair or adjust something in an unskilled or experimental manner
tinkering with his car
tinkerer
-kər-ər How to pronounce tinker (audio)
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on tinker

Nglish: Translation of tinker for Spanish Speakers

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