DictionarytinkerMake adjustments
verb

tinker

TING-kur/tˈɪŋkɝ/

To make small experimental repairs or adjustments.

He tinkers with the music-box mechanism using a small screwdriver.

A young man makes a tiny adjustment to an exposed music-box mechanism, using a small screwdriver while testing its winding key with his other hand.
Etymology

To tinker was to work as a repairer, then to repair roughly or experimentally.

More examples

  • She tinkers with the radio after dinner.
  • He likes to tinker with old clocks.

Forms

tinker · tinkers

Similar words

fiddle
Make small, sometimes aimless adjustments.
adjust
Change something slightly for a desired result.