machinist

noun

ma·​chin·​ist mə-ˈshē-nist 

1

a

: a worker who fabricates, assembles, or repairs machinery

b

: a craftsman skilled in the use of machine tools

c

: one who operates a machine

2

archaic : a person in charge of the mechanical aspects of a theatrical production

3

: a warrant officer who supervises machinery and engine operation

Examples of machinist in a Sentence

He is a machinist at the factory.

Recent Examples on the Web

The future of American work will require welders, electricians, machinists, mechanics, technicians, construction workers and countless other skilled professionals alongside engineers, managers and computer scientists. — Shaun McCutcheon, Boston Herald, 7 Sep. 2026

Many believe that machinist Matthew Maguire, not Peter McGuire, founded the holiday. — Jennie Key, Cincinnati Enquirer, 4 Sep. 2026

Cronquist, who worked as a machinist in the pre-press and press rooms at West Publishing in Eagan, started coming to Veterans Campground 28 years ago with Bill Anderson, his father-in-law and a World War II veteran. — Mary Divine, Twin Cities, 2 Sep. 2026

Kyles said her sister, the senior machinist, has lost about 10 to 15 pounds. — Chris Quintana, USA Today, 22 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

machine entry 1 + -ist entry 1, in sense 2 after French machiniste

First Known Use

circa 1706, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for machinist

• alienist
• hygienist
• cleanest
• greenest
• keenest
• meanest

Kids Definition

machinist

noun

ma·​chin·​ist mə-ˈshē-nəst 

: a person who makes or works on machines and engines