Tinker

/ˈtɪŋ.kər/

Meaning & Definition

noun

a person who enjoys fixing or working on machines, especially in an experimental or makeshift manner.

As a tinker, he often found innovative solutions to problems around the house.

historically, a traveling mender of metal utensils.

The tinker came to the village to repair pots and pans.

verb

to attempt to repair or improve something in a casual or desultory way.

He likes to tinker with old cars in his garage.

to work on or improve something in a makeshift way.

She spent the afternoon tinkering with her computer to fix the software issues.

Middle English 'tinkerer', probably from 'tink', to make a ringing sound.

tinker with something

To make small changes to something.

tinker bell

A reference to the famous fairy character, often used to describe a small, delicate, or magical person or thing.

fix

To repair something that is broken or damaged.

fiddle

To make small adjustments or manipulations.

To mess around with something.

Stop tinkering with the settings; you're making it worse.

To play around or be inattentive.

He was just tinkering instead of getting his work done.