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 The machinists are seeking a 40% pay bump over three years and a seat on the board of directors. Allison Morrow, CNN, 12 Apr. 2024 But Fisher, a retired machinist from Anne Arundel County, said the governor has stepped up in this moment. Erin Cox, Washington Post, 1 Apr. 2024 The machinists intend to use their leverage to push for more than the usual economic concessions. Bloomberg, Orange County Register, 6 Feb. 2024 Meanwhile, Paul Branch took classes at Prince George’s Community College and became a machinist at the Naval Ordnance Lab in White Oak, Md. Petula Dvorak, Washington Post, 8 Feb. 2024 Taylor and Gantt were figuring out how to manage the work of a factory machinist, whose job, like Lucy’s in the chocolate factory, typically involved one repeatable task. WIRED, 1 Oct. 2023 Her husband, a hardworking machinist, earned enough to support their family of nine and save for retirement. Ayelet Waldman, The New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2024 Aregbesola was an aviation machinist's mate 2nd class and was stationed on the USS Mason in the Red Sea. USA TODAY, 25 Mar. 2024 The titular figure is Billingham’s rangy, alcoholic father, who turned to drink after being made redundant from his job as a machinist. Chris Wiley, The New Yorker, 29 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'machinist.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near machinist

Cite this Entry

“Machinist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/machinist. Accessed 30 Apr. 2024.

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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