mechanic
mih-KA-nihk
Mechanic (noun) means a person skilled in repairing or maintaining machines, especially motor vehicles. Example: “The mechanic replaced the car's brake pads in under an hour.”
noun
1
A person skilled in repairing or maintaining machines, especially motor vehicles.
"The mechanic replaced the car's brake pads in under an hour."
"Our local mechanic found the strange noise and fixed it the same day."
"My uncle trained as a mechanic and now runs his own garage."
2
A specific rule or system that governs how something, especially a game, functions.
"The game's crafting mechanic keeps players engaged for hours."
"The main mechanic in this board game is trading cards with other players."
"Climbing walls is a simple mechanic that makes the platform game feel fresh."
How to use mechanic
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone who fixes machines (especially cars), or a working rule within a system like a game.
Common pairings
car mechanic
auto mechanic
game mechanic
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like mechanic.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- mechanics
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ replaced the car's brake pads in under an hour.
Etymology
From Middle English mekanyk, from Old French mecanique, from Latin mechanicus, from Greek mēkhanikós ("relating to machines").
Related words
Rhymes for mechanic
See all rhymes for mechanic →Frequently asked questions
What does “mechanic” mean?
The word “mechanic” means a person skilled in repairing or maintaining machines, especially motor vehicles. In plain terms, someone who fixes machines (especially cars), or a working rule within a system like a game.
How do you pronounce “mechanic”?
“Mechanic” is pronounced mih-KA-nihk (/mɪˈkænɪk/ in IPA).
How do you use “mechanic” in a sentence?
Here is “mechanic” used in a sentence: “The mechanic replaced the car's brake pads in under an hour.”
What part of speech is “mechanic”?
“Mechanic” is a noun.
Where does the word “mechanic” come from?
The word “mechanic” comes from Latin. From Middle English mekanyk, from Old French mecanique, from Latin mechanicus, from Greek mēkhanikós ("relating to machines").
Is “mechanic” a common word?
“Mechanic” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “mechanic” have?
“Mechanic” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a person skilled in repairing or maintaining machines, especially motor vehicles.
What is the difference between a mechanic and a technician?
A mechanic typically works with hands-on repair and maintenance of mechanical systems, especially motor vehicles, using tools to fix physical components. A technician often works with more specialized or electronic equipment and may focus on diagnostics and calibration rather than manual repair.
What does mechanic mean in gaming?
In gaming, a mechanic refers to a specific rule or system that governs how the game functions, such as jumping, scoring, or resource management. This usage is distinct from the traditional meaning of a person who repairs machines.
Do you need a license to be a mechanic?
Requirements vary by location and specialty, but many regions require mechanics who work on vehicles to hold certification or a license demonstrating their skill in repair and maintenance. Standards typically ensure the mechanic can safely and competently service motor vehicles.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include mechanic:
