craftsman

noun

crafts·​man ˈkraf(t)s-mən 

plural craftsmen

1

: a person and especially a man who practices a trade or handicraft as a job

The router offers a wide range of speeds and is designed for the cabinetmaker, solid surface fabricator and other craftsmen.

—Wood & Wood Products

2

: a person and especially a man who is skilled in a craft (see craft entry 1 sense 2a)

… a genuine craftsman with an ear for dialogue and, more importantly, an understanding of the human heart.

—Wes Lukowsky

craftsmanlike

ˈkraf(t)s-mən-ˌlīk 

adjective

craftsmanly

ˈkraf(t)s-mən-lē 

adjective

craftsmanship

ˈkraf(t)s-mən-ˌship 

noun

compare craftsperson, craftswoman

Synonyms

• artisan
• artist
• maker
• craftsperson

Examples of craftsman in a Sentence

Skilled craftsmen carved the enormous mantel.

He is a master craftsman who works with marble.

As a writer he has developed into a true craftsman.

Recent Examples on the Web

The Shash Diné hogans were constructed from juniper logs by a master craftsman, then covered with mud or clay. —Rona Berg, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025

Westwood Music back then was a blend of old-world craftsman’s studio and museum. —Nancy Walecki, The Atlantic, 7 Aug. 2025

One section had completely collapsed, and Tommasino found a 70-year-old craftsman who knew how to rebuild an arched ceiling. —Aileen Weintraub, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 July 2025

Tucked into that era is Briggs' continuing work as a jingle craftsman. —Marcus K. Dowling, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for craftsman

• draftsman
• draftsmen
• draughtsman
• draughtsmen

Kids Definition

craftsman

noun

crafts·​man ˈkraf(t)-smən 

1

: one who practices a trade or handicraft : artisan

2

: a highly skilled worker

craftsmanship

-ˌship 

noun