ˈfɪd(ə)l ˈfɪdl̩ ˈmʌŋki ˈpʌtə(ɹ) ˈpʌtɚ ˈtɪŋkə(ɹ) ˈtɪŋkɚ ˈtɪŋkə(ɹ) ˈtɪŋkɚ try to fix or mend Can you tinker with the T.V. set — it's not working right She always fiddles with her van on the weekend do random, unplanned work or activities or spend time idly The old lady is usually mucking about in her little house work as a tinker or tinkerer small mackerel found nearly worldwide formerly a person (traditionally a Gypsy) who traveled from place to place mending pots and kettles and other metal utensils as a way to earn a living a person who enjoys fixing and experimenting with machines and their parts