machinist

noun

ma·​chin·​ist mə-ˈshē-nist How to pronounce machinist (audio)
1
a
: a worker who fabricates, assembles, or repairs machinery
b
: a craftsman skilled in the use of machine tools
c
: one who operates a machine
2
archaic : a person in charge of the mechanical aspects of a theatrical production
3
: a warrant officer who supervises machinery and engine operation

Examples of machinist in a Sentence

He is a machinist at the factory.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Consider how medical technology company Acumed started as a family business with a single machinist in the late 1980s. — Coke Morgan Stewart, Fortune, 27 Oct. 2026 Boston Dynamics‘ prototype operation brings engineers and machinists together to develop, manufacture, assemble, and maintain robotic hardware. — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 15 Oct. 2026 The future of American work will require welders, electricians, machinists, mechanics, technicians, construction workers and countless other skilled professionals alongside engineers, managers and computer scientists. — Shaun McCutcheon, Boston Herald, 7 Sep. 2026 Many believe that machinist Matthew Maguire, not Peter McGuire, founded the holiday. — Jennie Key, Cincinnati Enquirer, 4 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for machinist

Word History

Etymology

machine entry 1 + -ist entry 1, in sense 2 after French machiniste

First Known Use

circa 1706, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of machinist was circa 1706

Rhymes for machinist

See All Rhymes for machinist

Browse Nearby Words

machinism
machinist
machinist's hammer
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Machinist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/machinist. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

machinist

noun
ma·​chin·​ist mə-ˈshē-nəst How to pronounce machinist (audio)
: a person who makes or works on machines and engines
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