handicraft

noun

hand·​i·​craft ˈhan-di-ˌkraft How to pronounce handicraft (audio)
-dē-
plural handicrafts
1
a
: manual labor or skill
… firing the … products of his handicraft in a diminutive bee-hive kiln …William Laurel Harris
b
: an occupation requiring skill with the hands
… the highly skilled artisans who specialize in handicrafts like embroidery, beading and appliqué …Elizabeth Paton
2
: the articles fashioned by those engaged in handicraft
usually used in plural
Woven baskets and other handicrafts were on display.
often used before another noun
handicraft products/shops
a handicraft exhibition
handicrafter noun
plural handicrafters

Examples of handicraft in a Sentence

Her favorite handicraft is sewing. volunteers demonstrating early American handicrafts, such as blacksmithing, glassblowing, and weaving
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This revisiting of the history of Ghanaian handicraft appears in works such as Beasts of No Nation, 2013–22, a wood panel (sharing a name with musician Fela Kuti’s 1989 album and Uzodinma Iweala’s 2005 novel) wrapped in wax-print cloth that echoes the vibrant textiles seen in Ghanaian markets. Edna Bonhomme, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2025 Guest room configurations include multi-bedroom units with full kitchens and washer-dryers; the decor features a colorful blend of Mexican handicrafts. Allison Tibaldi, USA Today, 27 Sep. 2025 Objetos De Arte For handicrafts and decorative objects, head to Casa Chiqui, a boutique packed with treasures from founder Chiqui de Echavarría’s travels. Susmita Baral, Travel + Leisure, 15 Sep. 2025 Both businesses bring together pieces from hundreds of regional artists who produce everything from jewelry to oil paintings, blown glass, wood carvings, ceramics, watercolors, and handicrafts. Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 1 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for handicraft

Word History

Etymology

Middle English handi-crafte, alteration of handcraft

First Known Use

1523, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of handicraft was in 1523

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Handicraft.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/handicraft. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

handicraft

noun
hand·​i·​craft ˈhan-di-ˌkraft How to pronounce handicraft (audio)
1
: an occupation (as weaving or pottery making) requiring skill with the hands
2
: articles made by one working at a handicraft
handicrafter noun

More from Merriam-Webster on handicraft

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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