1. To make small adjustments or repairs, often in a casual or experimental way:
* "He was tinkering with the engine, trying to fix the leak."
* "She tinkered with the recipe, adding a pinch of cinnamon."
2. To work on something in a playful or exploratory way, often without a specific goal in mind:
* "He likes to tinker with electronics, taking things apart and putting them back together."
* "The kids were tinkering in the garage, building something out of scraps."
3. To engage in a hobby or craft that involves working with one's hands:
* "She enjoys tinkering in her garden, growing flowers and vegetables."
* "He's a bit of a tinkerer, always building or fixing something."
In all these meanings, tinkering suggests a hands-on, practical, and often experimental approach. It's about exploring, experimenting, and improving things, even if it's not always done in a perfectly planned or professional way.