tinker tinker /ˈtɪŋkɝ/

noun

1. Small mackerel found nearly worldwide  ( chub mackerel , Scomber japonicus , tinker )
   small mackerel found nearly worldwide
   
   
2. 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  ( tinker )
   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 tinker traveled through our village, mending metal utensils.
   A tinker traveled through our village, mending metal utensils.
   
   
3. A person who enjoys fixing and experimenting with machines and their parts  ( tinker , tinkerer )
   a person who enjoys fixing and experimenting with machines and their parts
   

verb

1. () Do random, unplanned work, activities or spend time idly  ( monkey , monkey around [Informal] , muck about [Informal, British] , mess around , muck around [Informal, British] , potter [British] , putter [ N. American] , tinker )
   do random, unplanned work, activities or spend time idly
    The old lady is usually mucking about in her little house
   The old lady is usually mucking about in her little house
   
2. Try to fix or mend  ( fiddle , tinker )
   try to fix or mend
    Can you tinker with the T.V. set--it's not working right
   Can you tinker with the T.V. set--it's not working right
    She always fiddles with her van on the weekend
   She always fiddles with her van on the weekend
   
3. Work as a tinker or tinkerer  ( tinker )
   work as a tinker or tinkerer