English vocabulary · B2
Tinker
/ˈtɪŋ.kər/ · v.
Tinker means make small changes to fix something or help it work. You try one little part, then try again.
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Example sentences
- I tinkered with the old radio.
- Ben tinkered with his bike brakes.
Word origin and roots
- origin — unknown
Synonyms and nuances
- FIX — make it work again (Make It Work Again)
- ADJUST — make a small change (Make A Small Change)
- REPAIR — fix a broken thing (Fix A Broken Thing)
Similar words
- fix
- adjust
- repair
Lesson notes
Tinker means make small changes to fix something or help it work. You try one little part, then try again.
Related: fix, adjust, repair. Use tinker when you make small changes and try again.
I tinkered with the old radio. Ben tinkered with his bike brakes.
Tinker has no known origin. Long ago, it meant someone who fixed pots. Now it means make small changes.