mechanic

/məˈkænɪk/

/mɛˈkænɪk/

Other forms: mechanics

A mechanic is a person who builds or repairs engines or other machines. Mechanics are trained to use special tools and often work in shops or garages. If you are planning to be a mechanic, you have to be prepared to get your hands dirty.

The most common type of mechanic works on vehicles like cars, motorcycles, tractors, or airplanes. If your car is making a strange noise, you should probably take it to a mechanic. The oldest meaning of this word was simply "laborer," or "person who works with his hands," from the Greek root mekhanikos, "engineer." The current sense of mechanic came into use along with the popularity of the automobile.

Definitions of mechanic

1. noun

   a craftsman skilled in operating machine tools
   synonyms: machinist, shop mechanic

   type of:

   artificer, artisan, craftsman, journeyman

   a skilled worker who practices some trade or handicraft
2. noun

   someone whose occupation is repairing and maintaining automobiles
   synonyms: auto-mechanic, automobile mechanic, car-mechanic, grease monkey

   type of:

   maintenance man, repairman, service man

   a skilled worker whose job is to repair things
3. adjective

   resembling the action of a machine
   “"from blank to blank a threadless way I pushed mechanic feet"- Emily Dickenson”

   synonyms:

   mechanical

   using (or as if using) mechanisms or tools or devices