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US/ˈtɪŋ.kər/
UK/ˈtɪŋ.kə/
to make small changes to something, often to repair or improve it, without a clear plan
In context
My dad spends every Sunday tinkering with his old motorbike.
The coach keeps tinkering with the team, and the players are confused.
Instead of tinkering with the exam system, the ministry should rethink it completely.
Words that go with tinker
verb + preposition
- tinker withStop tinkering with the TV and call a repairman.
- tinker at the edgesThe reform only tinkers at the edges of the housing problem.
- tinker with the engineHe spent the afternoon trying to tinker with the engine of his old Honda.
- tinker with the rulesEvery new minister wants to tinker with the rules for university entrance.
verb + adverb
- tinker aroundHe likes to tinker around in the garage at weekends.