tinker Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a person who enjoys fixing and experimenting with machines and their parts
    tinkerer.
  2. noun 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
  3. noun small mackerel found nearly worldwide
    chub mackerel; Scomber japonicus.
  4. verb do random, unplanned work or activities or spend time idly
    monkey around; mess around; monkey; putter; potter; muck around; muck about.
    • The old lady is usually mucking about in her little house
  5. verb work as a tinker or tinkerer
  6. verb try to fix or mend
    fiddle.
    • Can you tinker with the T.V. set--it's not working right
    • She always fiddles with her van on the weekend

WordNet

Tink"er noun
Etymology
From Tink, because the tinker's way of proclaiming his trade is to beat a kettle, or because in his work he makes a tinkling noise. Johnson.
Definitions
  1. A mender of brass kettles, pans, and other metal ware. "Tailors and tinkers." Piers Plowman.
  2. One skilled in a variety of small mechanical work.
  3. (Ordnance) A small mortar on the end of a staff.
  4. (Zoöl.) (a) A young mackerel about two years old. (b) The chub mackerel. (c) The silversides. (d) A skate. Prov. Eng.
  5. (Zoöl.) The razor-billed auk.
Tink"er transitive verb
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Tinkered ; present participle & verbal noun Tinkering
Definitions
  1. To mend or solder, as metal wares; hence, more generally, to mend.
Tink"er intransitive verb
Definitions
  1. To busy one's self in mending old kettles, pans, etc.; to play the tinker; to be occupied with small mechanical works.

Webster 1913