mechanic: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral (used across all registers from informal to technical)
Quick answer
What does “mechanic” mean?
A person who repairs and maintains machinery, especially vehicles.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who repairs and maintains machinery, especially vehicles.
1. (singular) The aspect or workings of something; the practical details of how something functions (e.g., the mechanics of a process). 2. A person skilled in the applied science of machinery. 3. (historical/archaic) A manual worker or artisan.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. The plural 'mechanics' for a repair workshop ('auto mechanics') is slightly more common in US English.
Connotations
Equally neutral in both varieties. The profession lacks strong class connotations in modern usage.
Frequency
High and equivalent frequency in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “mechanic” in a Sentence
[mechanic] + [repairs/fixes/services/checks] + [noun phrase (machine)][mechanic] + [specialises in] + [noun phrase (machine type)]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mechanic” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A. The verb is 'to mechanise'.
American English
- N/A. The verb is 'to mechanize'.
adverb
British English
- N/A. The adverb is 'mechanically'.
American English
- N/A. The adverb is 'mechanically'.
adjective
British English
- N/A. The adjective is 'mechanical'.
American English
- N/A. The adjective is 'mechanical'.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to a skilled worker in the automotive or engineering service industry.
Academic
Used in physics and engineering ('classical mechanics', 'quantum mechanics') to denote the branch of science concerned with motion and forces.
Everyday
Almost exclusively refers to a person who fixes vehicles.
Technical
Can refer to a specialist in maintaining specific complex machinery (e.g., 'airframe mechanic').
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “mechanic”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mechanic”
- Using 'mechanic' as an adjective (incorrect: 'a mechanic problem'; correct: 'a mechanical problem').
- Confusing 'mechanic' (person) with 'mechanics' (science/ workings).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while most common for vehicles, it can apply to specialists for aircraft, motorcycles, industrial machinery, etc. (e.g., bicycle mechanic, helicopter mechanic).
Often used interchangeably, but 'technician' can imply work with more advanced electronic or computer systems, while 'mechanic' traditionally emphasises manual and mechanical repair. A modern auto 'technician' likely deals with both.
Rarely. The singular noun is 'mechanic'. 'Mechanics' is either plural (people) or a singular uncountable noun meaning 'the mechanics of something' (its workings).
The adjective is 'mechanical' (e.g., mechanical failure, mechanical engineer). Do not use 'mechanic' as an adjective.
A person who repairs and maintains machinery, especially vehicles.
Mechanic is usually neutral (used across all registers from informal to technical) in register.
Mechanic: in British English it is pronounced /mɪˈkanɪk/, and in American English it is pronounced /məˈkænɪk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Grease monkey (slang for a mechanic)”
- “Shade tree mechanic (AmE, informal: amateur who repairs cars at home)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: A MECHANIC MECHANically fixes machines. The word is inside the job.
Conceptual Metaphor
MACHINE metaphor for processes: 'The mechanics of government are complex.' (Processes are like the working parts of a machine.)
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'mechanics' used to refer to a group of people?