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

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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
In an Atlantic essay, Wight recalled finding a mechanic reading Thucydides on the grimy floor of his shop, a bare bulb illuminating his page. — Elias Wachtel, The Atlantic, 16 July 2026 Thankfully, a mechanic shop was a short drive away. — Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 28 June 2026
Noun
Sheehan has attributed his diminished velocity and inconsistent results to his pitching mechanics. — Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 21 July 2026 Arrabaca served in the Army from 2001 to 2005 as a mechanic on Patriot missile systems, authorities said. — Alex Nitzberg , Peter D'abrosca , Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 20 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for mechanic

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English, probably from Middle French mecanique, adjective & noun, from Latin mechanicus, from Greek mēchanikos, from mēchanē

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

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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 26 Jul. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on mechanic

Nglish: Translation of mechanic for Spanish Speakers

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