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

mechanic

2 of 2

noun

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

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
Car lots, mechanic shops, and cafes line a forlorn stretch of Route 66 in central Amarillo, but vibrant art galleries, antique shops, restaurants, a bookstore, and record shop are concentrated in a lively 13-block strip of the famed highway west of the central business district. Pam Leblanc, Southern Living, 3 Jan. 2026 In June 2020, the 72-year-old former police officer and mechanic pleaded guilty to 13 counts of first-degree murder and other crimes in order to avoid the death penalty. Christine Pelisek, PEOPLE, 28 Dec. 2025
Noun
Mayor Bass also secured 17 positions for supply and maintenance staffing, including heavy-duty mechanics, mechanic helpers, tire repairers, maintenance laborers, toolroom workers, truck operators and more. Jeff Nguyen, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026 Researchers at Princeton University have developed a new model for insect-scale robots inspired by the unique flight mechanics of the American grasshopper. Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 8 Jan. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Mechanic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mechanic. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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