1 C1 idiomatic informal
To assemble or construct something in an improvised, experimental way.
"He tinkered up a radio receiver from spare parts he found in the garage."
separable
tinker up
C1 informal separable transitive
To assemble or improvise something by making small adjustments and repairs, usually in an informal or experimental way.
In plain English
To put something together or fix it up by experimenting and adjusting as you go.
What does "tinker up" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 idiomatic informal
To make small improvements or adjustments to something in order to get it working better.
"The technicians spent the afternoon tinkering up the old projector."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To build or construct something through tinkering.
Actually means
To put something together or fix it up by experimenting and adjusting as you go.
Usage tip
Relatively rare; 'tinker with' is far more common. 'Tinker up' tends to suggest the end result of tinkering — producing or assembling something. More common in British English and older written sources.
Words that pair with "tinker up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
solution device engine contraption gadget system
How to conjugate "tinker up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
tinker up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
tinkers up
he/she/it
Past simple
tinkered up
yesterday
Past participle
tinkered up
have + pp
-ing form
tinkering up
continuous
Hear "tinker up" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "tinker up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.