mechanic

1 of 2

adjective

me·​chan·​ic mi-ˈka-nik How to pronounce mechanic (audio)
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
For example, ads for mechanic positions were predominantly shown to men, while those for preschool teacher roles were primarily directed to women. Carlotta Dotto, CNN, 28 Feb. 2025 The space, which hosts a coffee shop, is located inside an old mechanic shop. Luis Giraldo, CBS News, 22 Feb. 2025
Noun
The game does a great job of balancing mechanics between the two players so that one character isn’t the more desirable choice: while one chapter transforms Zoe into a flying fairy and Mio into a powerful ape, another gives Mio a soaring dragon and Zoe a climbing one. Katcy Stephan, Variety, 4 Mar. 2025 Interim Director of Aviation, Michael A. Reisman, said that the United Airlines plane would remain at Waco Regional Airport for one to two days to be looked over by mechanics, per 25 News. Escher Walcott, People.com, 3 Mar. 2025 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 Mar. 2025.

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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