tinker — English Dictionary

Noun

1. An itinerant tinsmith and mender of household utensils made of metal.

   Examples

   The blacksmith chased us all to ground They searched all night we were never found The tinker boys and the sheriff's men Shaking the tallest tree.

2. A member of the Irish Traveller community or of other itinerant groups; a gypsy.

   Usage

   • Ireland
   • UK usage
   • Dated
   • Offensive

3. A mischievous person, especially a playful, impish youngster.

   Usage

   • usually
   • with "little"

4. Someone who repairs, or attempts repair, on anything mechanical, or who invents such devices; one who tinkers; a tinkerer.

5. An act of repair or invention.

   Usage

   • Informal

   Examples

   I'll have a tinker and see what I can do.

6. A hand mortar.

   Usage

   • Obsolete

7. Any of various fish: chub mackerel, silverside, skate, or young mackerel about two years old.

8. A razor-billed auk, a bird of species (Alca torda).

Verb

1. To work as a tinker.

   Usage

   • Intransitive

2. To fiddle with something in an attempt to fix, mend or improve it, especially in an experimental or unskilled manner.

   Usage

   • Transitive or intransitive

   Examples

   the broken bureau-lock and tinkered window-pane

   As in much of biology, the most satisfying truths in ecology derive from manipulative experimentation. Tinker with nature and quantify how it responds.

   More examples (2)

   And because he wants to show that he is a dominant male, he tinkered the engine of his motorbike to make it even noisier.

   We're not just talking about changes that tinker around the edges - we're looking to take advantage of some of the world's latest digital and tech developments to improve our service.

Noun

1. a person who enjoys fixing and experimenting with machines and their parts

   Synonyms

   tinkerer

   Broader terms

   experimenter

2. 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

   Broader terms

   itinerantgypsygipsy

3. small mackerel found nearly worldwide

   Synonyms

   chub mackerelScomber japonicus

   Broader terms

   mackerel

Verb

1. do random, unplanned work or activities or spend time idly

   Synonyms

   puttermess aroundpottermonkeymonkey aroundmuck aboutmuck around

   Broader terms

   work

   Examples

   The old lady is usually mucking about in her little house

2. work as a tinker or tinkerer

   Broader terms

   workdo work

3. try to fix or mend

   Synonyms

   fiddle

   Broader terms

   repairmendfixbusheldoctorfurbish uprestoretouch on

   Examples

   Can you tinker with the T.V. set — it's not working right

   She always fiddles with her van on the weekend