How to pronounce tinker
Say it like TING-ker. Tinker has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (TING).
- TING
- ker
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Tinker pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- TINGSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- kerKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of tinker
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: TING-kuh.
What does tinker mean?
- To work as a tinker.
- To fiddle with something in an attempt to fix, mend or improve it, especially in an experimental or unskilled manner.
- An itinerant tinsmith and mender of household utensils made of metal.
- A mischievous person, especially a playful, impish youngster.
- Someone who repairs, or attempts repair, on anything mechanical, or who invents such devices; one who tinkers; a tinkerer.
Where does tinker come from?
From Middle English tynkere, perhaps from Old English *tincere, from tin (“tin”) + *cere, as in bēocere (“beekeeper”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with tinker
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of tinker.
Questions about saying tinker
How do you pronounce tinker?
Say TING-ker. The American pronunciation is /ˈtɪŋkɚ/. In British English it is /ˈtɪŋkə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in tinker?
Tinker has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (TING). Broken into parts: TING · ker.
Is tinker pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈtɪŋkə/ (TING-kuh).