Mechanism — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˈme-kə-ˌni-zəm/ mech·a·nism

Meaning & Definition of Mechanism

Mechanism (noun)

  1. a piece of machinery
  2. a process, technique, or system for achieving a result
  3. mechanical operation or action, working

Mechanism (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a mechanical part or group of parts used to perform a specific task

    "The printer's paper feeding mechanism is jammed."

    similar: device, implement, instrument, tool, utensil, apparatus, appliance, machine, contraption, contrivance, gadget, gimmick, gizmo, jigger, widget, accessory, adjunct, dingus, doodad, doohickey, hickey, hootenanny (chiefly dialect), thingamabob, thingamajig, thingummy, ingenuity, innovation, invention

  2. a series of actions used to achieve an end

    "She was stunned to learn that there was no mechanism in place to remedy the problem."

    similar: course, operation, procedure, process, drill, routine, fashion, form, manner, method, mode, system, technique, way, determinant, expedient, factor, influence, ingredient, tool, agency, agent, instrument, instrumentality, machinery, means, medium, ministry, organ, vehicle

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Mechanism

The most common words with a similar meaning to Mechanism:

Chiefly dialect: hootenanny
device, implement, instrument, tool, utensil, apparatus, appliance, machine, contraption, contrivance, gadget, gimmick, gizmo, jigger, widget, accessory, adjunct, dingus, doodad, doohickey, hickey, thingamabob, thingamajig, thingummy, ingenuity, innovation, invention, course, operation, procedure, process, drill, routine, fashion, form, manner, method, mode, system, technique

Origin & Etymology of Mechanism

First known use: 1662

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Mechanism

Words & Phrases Containing Mechanism

defense mechanism, escape mechanism, survival mechanism

Frequently Asked Questions about Mechanism

What does "Mechanism" mean?

"Mechanism" means a piece of machinery. As a noun, it is defined as: a piece of machinery. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Mechanism"?

Other words for "Mechanism" include device, implement, instrument, tool, utensil, apparatus, appliance and machine. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Mechanism" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Mechanism"?

There are 56 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Mechanism". Common alternatives include device, implement, instrument, tool, utensil, apparatus, appliance, machine, contraption and contrivance.

How do you use "Mechanism" in a sentence?

Examples of "Mechanism" in a sentence: "The printer's paper feeding mechanism is jammed."; "She was stunned to learn that there was no mechanism in place to remedy the problem.".

Is "Mechanism" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Mechanism" is a noun.

Is "Mechanism" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Mechanism" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+. It is on the Academic Word List, so it appears often in IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and university texts.

How do you pronounce "Mechanism"?

"Mechanism" is pronounced /ˈme-kə-ˌni-zəm/ and divided into syllables as mech·a·nism.

What is the origin of the word "Mechanism"?

First known use: 1662.