Standard Lemma guide

MacGyver

noun · verb · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

Each Play button uses your device's default local English voice, or a natural local fallback. The selected voice name appears after playback. This is synthesized speech, not a source recording.

  • UK: /məˈɡaɪvə/
  • US: mə-gīʹvər
  • US: mik-
  • US: /məˈɡaɪvɚ/
  • US: /mɪk-/
  • US: Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.
  • CMU ARPABET: M AH0 G AY1 V ER0 Digits mark lexical stress: 1 primary, 2 secondary, 0 unstressed.

1

noun

Meaning 1

Someone capable of improvising an ingenious solution from everyday objects or unsuitable resources.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To assemble or repair something by ingenious improvisation, using everyday items that would not usually be used for the purpose.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: dated, transitive

Examples

  • Our car broke down and we didn't have any tools but Jim MacGyvered it with some toenail clippers and we were able to limp to the service station.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

Alternative spelling of MacGyver.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: alt-of, alternative

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

From the name of the eponymous character in the television program MacGyver, a secret agent with an uncanny ability to construct weapons from seemingly useless bits of junk.