workmanship

noun

work·​man·​ship ˈwərk-mən-ˌship How to pronounce workmanship (audio)
1
: something effected, made, or produced : work
2
: the art or skill of a workman
also : the quality imparted to a thing in the process of making
a vase of exquisite workmanship

Examples of workmanship in a Sentence

The problems were caused by cheap materials and poor workmanship. The excellent workmanship of the cabinets is remarkable.
Recent Examples on the Web Tiny touches, like a rounded, hobbit-style fireplace mantle or dragonfly drawer pulls showcase the workmanship that went into each home. Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 31 Jan. 2024 The quality of the robe’s workmanship is high, too. Jessica MacDonald, Travel + Leisure, 15 Dec. 2023 Yet what really brings us into her world is a studio space arranged with material samples that reveal various states of workmanship: gorgeous geometric embroideries, quill-like embellishments, fabrics painstakingly painted like butterfly wings, striated volumes, a delicate crystalline lattice. Amy Verner, Vogue, 29 Nov. 2023 In terms of subject, style and workmanship the piece might have adorned an elite residence in Rome itself. Holland Cotter, New York Times, 16 Nov. 2023 With a limited 10-year global warranty, shoppers can rest assured this purchase will last for the long run, knowing that any defects in materials or workmanship will be covered. Sophie Mendel, Travel + Leisure, 6 Nov. 2023 All homes were well-maintained but had similar construction problems, including leaking windows and doors, cracking or separating masonry veneer, cracking slabs and foundations and poor workmanship, Whitlock said. Mitchell Parton, Dallas News, 14 Sep. 2023 Everything about the saw is excellent, from its workmanship to its reliable cordless power to the accuracy of its cut. Alex Rennie, Popular Mechanics, 26 June 2023 Visitors milled around custom bikes and chatted with builders about their workmanship. Kayla Nguyen, oregonlive, 29 Aug. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'workmanship.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of workmanship was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near workmanship

Cite this Entry

“Workmanship.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/workmanship. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

workmanship

noun
work·​man·​ship ˈwərk-mən-ˌship How to pronounce workmanship (audio)
1
: the art or skill of a workman : craftsmanship
2
: the quality of a piece of work
the excellent workmanship of the desk

More from Merriam-Webster on workmanship

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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