machinist

noun

ma·​chin·​ist mə-ˈshē-nist How to pronounce machinist (audio)
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
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.
Throughout May, this spirited group of machinists was on the streets 24 hours a day. Chris Mattei, Hartford Courant, 2 June 2025 Dear Abby: My favorite uncle was a machinist who taught me to respect and care for tools. Abigail Van Buren, Boston Herald, 26 Jan. 2025 Then, just weeks after Ortberg assumed the role, Boeing machinists went on a nearly two-month strike, which ended when 59% of them approved a new four-year labor deal that included 38% raises. Sean Conlon, CNBC, 7 Jan. 2025 His mother played piano, and his father Murry claimed to have a passion for writing songs but in truth was little more than a machinist who paid the bills. Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 11 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for machinist

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1706, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of machinist was circa 1706

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Machinist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/machinist. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

machinist

noun
ma·​chin·​ist mə-ˈshē-nəst How to pronounce machinist (audio)
: a person who makes or works on machines and engines

More from Merriam-Webster on machinist

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