mechanic

1 of 2

adjective

me·​chan·​ic mi-ˈka-nik How to pronounce mechanic (audio)
Synonyms of mechanicnext
1
: of or relating to manual work or skill
2
: mechanical sense 3a

mechanic

2 of 2

noun

1
: a manual worker : artisan
2
: machinist
especially : one who repairs machines

Synonyms of mechanic

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Adjective

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of mechanic in a Sentence

Adjective the snapping of the handcuffs was followed by a mechanic reading of the suspect's rights
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.
Adjective
Parched fields force hydroponic growers, vegetable farmers and fruit producers to halt harvests, sell off underfed livestock at rock-bottom prices and even return to mechanic jobs to survive. — Dánica Coto, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026 There are exceptions and one is Hig (Elordi), who before the virus hit was a mechanic living a good life with his pregnant wife and new puppy. — Pete Hammond, Deadline, 25 Aug. 2026
Noun
People demonstrate trust in automakers, mechanics, government employees who regulate and police roadways, and even other drivers by choosing to drive. — John C. Besley, The Conversation, 31 Aug. 2026 Appropriately so, given the placid recent range and the clockwork mechanics of sector rotation and low-correlation restraining index-level volatility. — Michael Santoli, CNBC, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for mechanic

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English mechanique, mekanyk, borrowed from Middle French & Medieval Latin; Middle French mecanique, mechanique, going back to Old French, borrowed from Medieval Latin mēchanicus, going back to Latin, "of machines or engineering, mechanical," borrowed from Greek mēchanikós "resourceful, inventive, (of medical devices or siege apparatus) mechanical," from mēchanḗ "device, contrivance, siege engine" + -ikos -ic entry 1 — more at machine entry 1

Noun

borrowed from Middle French mechanique, mecanique, going back to Old French, borrowed from Medieval Latin mēchanicus, noun derivative of mēchanicus "relating to manual work or skill" — more at mechanic entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1509, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of mechanic was in the 14th century

Rhymes for mechanic

See All Rhymes for mechanic

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Mechanic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mechanic. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

mechanic

1 of 2 adjective
me·​chan·​ic mi-ˈkan-ik How to pronounce mechanic (audio)
: of or relating to work performed by hand or skill at such work
mechanic arts

mechanic

2 of 2 noun
: a person who works with his or her hands
especially : a repairer of machines
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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