mechanical

1 of 2

adjective

me·​chan·​i·​cal mi-ˈka-ni-kəl How to pronounce mechanical (audio)
1
a(1)
: of or relating to machinery (see machinery sense 1) or tools
mechanical applications of science
a mechanical genius
mechanical aptitude
(2)
: produced or operated by a machine or tool
mechanical power
a mechanical refrigerator
a mechanical saw
b
: of or relating to manual operations
2
: of or relating to artisans (see artisan sense 1) or machinists
the mechanical trades
3
a
: done as if by machine : seemingly uninfluenced by the mind or emotions : automatic
busy in a leisurely mechanical wayDouglas Stewart
b
: of or relating to technicalities or petty matters
nor was any capacity shown for anything above a mechanical handling of the matterH. O. Taylor
4
a
: relating to, governed by, or in accordance with the principles of mechanics
mechanical energy
b
: relating to the quantitative relations of force and matter
mechanical pressure of wind on a tower
5
: caused by, resulting from, or relating to a process that involves a purely physical as opposed to a chemical or biological change or process
mechanical erosion of rock
mechanically adverb

mechanical

2 of 2

noun

1
: a piece of finished copy consisting typically of type proofs and artwork positioned and mounted for photomechanical reproduction
2
obsolete : mechanic sense 1
Choose the Right Synonym for mechanical

spontaneous, impulsive, instinctive, automatic, mechanical mean acting or activated without deliberation.

spontaneous implies lack of prompting and connotes naturalness.

a spontaneous burst of applause

impulsive implies acting under stress of emotion or spirit of the moment.

impulsive acts of violence

instinctive stresses action involving neither judgment nor will.

blinking is an instinctive reaction

automatic implies action engaging neither the mind nor the emotions and connotes a predictable response.

his denial was automatic

mechanical stresses the lifeless, often perfunctory character of the response.

a mechanical teaching method

Examples of mechanical in a Sentence

Adjective The flight was delayed because of mechanical problems. I was impressed by her mechanical know-how. She gave a mechanical reply. Copying down the numbers is a boring and mechanical job. The actor gave a stiff and mechanical performance.
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.
Adjective
Driving through deep water can also damage a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems. Ca Weather Bot, Sacramento Bee, 12 Mar. 2025 The vehicle is also fitted with a lower front valance skid plate, for mechanical protection. Michael Harley, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025
Noun
In the example above, a view of Central Park rather than mechanicals could add as much as 30% to a unit’s value, whereas a slight river glimpse from an angle may add only 5 to 10%. John Walkup, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025 The three-wheeler is underpinned by BMW mechanicals and boasts a frame and chassis—featuring center-hub steering—built by Louis Christen Racing of Switzerland. Robert Ross, Robb Report, 15 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for mechanical

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Noun

1600, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of mechanical was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Mechanical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mechanical. Accessed 19 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

mechanical

adjective
me·​chan·​i·​cal
mi-ˈkan-i-kəl
1
a
: of or relating to machinery
mechanical skill
b
: made or operated by a machine or machinery
a mechanical toy
2
: done as if by machine : impersonal
gave a mechanical reply
3
: relating to or according with the principles of mechanics
mechanically
-i-k(ə-)lē
adverb

Medical Definition

mechanical

adjective
me·​chan·​i·​cal mi-ˈkan-i-kəl How to pronounce mechanical (audio)
1
: relating to the quantitative relations of force and matter
mechanical pressure exerted by the bubbles in the tissuesH. G. Armstrong
2
: caused by, resulting from, or relating to physical as opposed to biological or chemical processes or change
mechanical injury
mechanical asphyxiation
mechanically adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on mechanical

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!