tinker

//ˈtɪŋkər//
B2Frequency Level 11Neutral
Visual representation of tinker

Noun

tinkerSingular
tinkersPlural
1

A person who travels from place to place mending metal utensils, especially pots and pans.

A tinker came to our village to repair old pots and kettles.

2

A person who enjoys fixing, adjusting, or experimenting with machinery or other objects, often in an unskilled or experimental way.

My grandfather was a tinker who loved to take apart old radios and put them back together.

Synonym

Verb

tinkerInfinitive
tinkerPresent tense
tinkeredPast tense
tinkeredPast participle
tinkeringPresent participle
tinkersThird-person singular
1

To attempt to repair or improve something in a casual or experimental manner, often without a clear plan.

He likes to tinker with old radios in his spare time.

2

To make small adjustments or changes to something, typically in an aimless or ineffective way.

He spent the afternoon tinkering with his old radio, but it still doesn't work.