tinker in WordNet English dictionary

1. small mackerel found nearly worldwide
   chub mackerel  tinker  Scomber japonicus 
   
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 
   
3. a person who enjoys fixing and experimenting with machines and their parts
   tinker  tinkerer 
   

1. 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"
   tinker  fiddle 
   
2. do random, unplanned work or activities or spend time idly
   "The old lady is usually mucking about in her little house"
   putter  mess around  potter  tinker  monkey  monkey around  muck about  muck around 
   
3. work as a tinker or tinkerer
   tinker