artisan

noun

ar·​ti·​san ˈär-tə-zən 

-sən,

 chiefly British  ˌä-tə-ˈzan

1

: a worker who practices a trade or handicraft : craftsperson

a skilled artisan

2

: a person or company that produces something (such as cheese or wine) in limited quantities often using traditional methods

—often used before another noun

artisan breads

artisanship

ˈär-tə-zən-ˌship 

-sən-

noun

Did you know?

Artisans aren't the same as artists, but it can sometimes be hard to tell the difference. In the Middle Ages, artisans organized themselves into guilds. In every city each group of artisans—weavers, carpenters, shoemakers, and so on—had its own guild, which set wages and prices, kept standards high, and protected its members from outside competitors. In America, however, most artisans have always been fiercely independent. Today, when factories produce almost all of our goods, artisans usually make only fine objects for those who can afford them. And we now even include food among the artisan's crafts, so you can buy artisanal cheeses, breads, and chocolates—but probably not if you're watching your budget.

Synonyms

• artificer
• crafter
• craftsman
• craftsperson
• handcraftsman
• handicrafter
• handicraftsman
• handworker
• tradesman

Examples of artisan in a Sentence

They sell rugs made by local artisans.

we visited a re-created 19th-century New England village that features an array of artisans—a cooper, a carpenter, a blacksmith, a potter, a glassblower

Recent Examples on the Web

Curated and selected by IndieWire’s editorial team, IndieWire Honors is a celebration of the creators, artisans, and performers behind television well worth toasting. —David Gauvey Herbert, IndieWire, 3 June 2025

In India and Nepal, the company supports its artisans not only through fair wages and dignified labor conditions but also by funding schools and housing for their families. —Christopher Marquis, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025

Like Marcus-Bello, Bansal and Sharma work with artisans recruited from the local industry, making objects that exemplify the Hindi concept of jugaad (the term can be set alongside the Cuban invento and the Portuguese gambiarra, again referring to resourceful problem-solving). —Glenn Adamson, Artforum, 1 June 2025

Many of these artisans — traditionally known for their boldness and innovation — are finding ways to maintain quality and brand integrity without asking loyal customers to choke on the price. —Gretchen Eichenberg, FOXNews.com, 30 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French, borrowed from an Upper Italian equivalent of Italian (Tuscan) artigiano, from arte "craft, art entry 1" (going back to Latin art-, ars) + -igiano, adjective suffix of appurtenance, from Vulgar Latin *-ēs- (going back to Latin -ensis, adjective suffix of place) + Latin -iānus -ian

Note: See note at parmesan.

First Known Use

circa 1538, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for artisan

• partisan
• bipartisan
• nonpartisan

Kids Definition

artisan

noun

ar·​ti·​san ˈärt-ə-zən 

-sən

: a skilled worker

especially : one (as a carpenter) whose occupation requires skill with the hands