mechanic

[ muh-kan-ik ]

noun

1. a person who repairs and maintains machinery, motors, etc.:

   an automobile mechanic.

2. a worker who is skilled in the use of tools, machines, equipment, etc.
3. Slang. a person skilled in the dishonest handling of cards, dice, or other objects used in games of chance.

mechanic

/ mɪˈkænɪk /

noun

1. a person skilled in maintaining or operating machinery, motors, etc
2. archaic.
   a common labourer

Word History and Origins

Origin of mechanic¹

1350–1400; Middle English: mechanical < Latin mēchanicus < Greek mēchanikós, equivalent to mēchan ( ḗ ) machine + -ikos -ic

Word History and Origins

Origin of mechanic¹

C14: from Latin mēchanicus, from Greek mēkhanikos, from mēkhanē machine

Example Sentences

Frank Sato Felix was 25 years old when he and then-21-year-old Joshua Charles Acosta, an Army mechanic, met the girl.

From Los Angeles Times

You know: fancy, elite college types trying to shove social-justice jargon down the throats of every firefighter and auto mechanic in the country.

From Slate

“This is super cool,” exulted Dean, an auto mechanic who does the repair work at the family-run garage.

From Los Angeles Times

The mechanic points to the cylinders, which he has just cleaned.

From BBC

After leaving the Army, Mr Coster worked in training and development for a road haulage firm and as a mechanic in professional motorsport.

From BBC

Related Words

• machinist
• operator
• worker