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
Another customer says the soap works wonders for their mechanic husband and is powerful enough to remove dirt and grease. Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 10 July 2025 Before becoming a cofounder, Hildreth worked in roles that many would dismiss as mundane: mechanic, logistics officer and government contractor. Cheryl Robinson, Forbes.com, 9 June 2025
Noun
The game stands out because of its mechanics which use a deck of playing cards to encourage players to press their luck. Rob Wieland, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025 Driven by the team’s directeur sportif, Sebastien Joly, Stephen Barrett is on the radio in the passenger seat, while a mechanic sits in the rear right passenger seat. Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 11 July 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 22 Jul. 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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