meccano: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Informal, sometimes proprietary (capitalised). More common in BrE.
Quick answer
What does “meccano” mean?
A proprietary brand of model construction toy consisting of metal strips, plates, wheels, gears, and nuts and bolts for building various mechanical models.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A proprietary brand of model construction toy consisting of metal strips, plates, wheels, gears, and nuts and bolts for building various mechanical models.
Used as a common noun to refer to any similar construction toy or modular system, especially one involving metal parts; figuratively, any complex structure or system assembled from many interconnected parts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In BrE, 'Meccano' is a well-known, historic toy brand. In AmE, the equivalent is more likely 'Erector Set' (a US brand), making 'Meccano' less common and sometimes used as a cultural reference.
Connotations
BrE: Nostalgia, childhood, engineering ingenuity. AmE: May be perceived as a specifically British or international brand.
Frequency
Significantly more frequent in BrE. In AmE, primarily used by enthusiasts, in historical contexts, or by those familiar with British culture.
Grammar
How to Use “meccano” in a Sentence
treat something as [uncountable] (play with meccano)use [uncountable] to build XVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “meccano” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He spent hours meccano-ing a fantastic crane. (informal, rare conversion)
American English
- (Not typically used as a verb in AmE.)
adverb
British English
- (Not typically used as an adverb.)
American English
- (Not typically used as an adverb.)
adjective
British English
- It had a meccano-like quality, all bolts and girders.
American English
- The prototype had a Meccano-esque simplicity in its design.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used metaphorically: 'Their new software platform is like digital Meccano.'
Academic
Rare, except in historical/cultural studies of toys or design.
Everyday
Primarily in BrE, among older generations recalling childhood, or parents/grandparents describing toys.
Technical
Used in engineering education or prototyping discussions as a metaphor for modular design.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “meccano”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “meccano”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “meccano”
- Using it as a countable noun incorrectly (*'a meccano'). Correct: 'a Meccano set' or 'some Meccano'.
- Misspelling as 'Meccanno' or 'Meccanoo'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
When referring specifically to the trademarked brand, yes (Meccano). When used generically or figuratively, it is often lowercased (meccano), especially in British informal use.
Yes, in BrE it is very commonly used uncountably (e.g., 'a box of meccano', 'play with meccano'), treating the collection of parts as a substance.
Meccano traditionally uses metal strips, nuts, and bolts for building mechanical models, emphasizing engineering. Lego uses interlocking plastic bricks, focusing more on creative building.
Yes, the brand is sold internationally, but its penetration and generic use vary. It is well-known in Commonwealth countries like Australia and Canada, but less so in the US, where 'Erector Set' was the dominant historical brand.
A proprietary brand of model construction toy consisting of metal strips, plates, wheels, gears, and nuts and bolts for building various mechanical models.
Meccano is usually informal, sometimes proprietary (capitalised). more common in bre. in register.
Meccano: in British English it is pronounced /məˈkɑːnəʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /məˈkænoʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “like a Meccano set (describing something easily assembled or modified from standard parts)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'Meccano' sounds like 'mechano' – a mechanical toy you can construct.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMPLEX SYSTEMS ARE CONSTRUCTED MODELS (The economy is a vast Meccano set of interconnected parts).
Practice
Quiz
In American English, what is the most common generic equivalent to 'Meccano'?