carpentry

noun

car·​pen·​try ˈkär-pən-trē How to pronounce carpentry (audio)
1
: the art or trade of a carpenter
specifically : the art of shaping and assembling structural woodwork
2
: timberwork constructed by a carpenter
3
: the form or manner of putting together the parts (as of a literary or musical composition)

Examples of carpentry in a Sentence

He learned carpentry from his father. When the carpentry is finished, the cabinets will be installed.
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.
Up North school leaders say more of their students are interested in career tech than four years of college, especially in fields like carpentry, welding and agriculture. CBS News, 26 Mar. 2026 At Rosedale Technical College, where students can also study automotive technology, diesel mechanics, carpentry, welding and other skilled trades, enrollment is up 36% in the last five years, according to the school. Jessica Dickler, CNBC, 8 Mar. 2026 And young people have increasingly turned to trade jobs such as welding, plumbing, and carpentry over white-collar positions. Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 6 Mar. 2026 Check out demonstrations in blacksmithing, broom making, basket making, carpentry, and open-hearth cooking. Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 20 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for carpentry

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of carpentry was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Carpentry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/carpentry. Accessed 30 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

carpentry

noun
car·​pen·​try ˈkär-pən-trē How to pronounce carpentry (audio)
ˈkärp-ᵊm-trē
: the work or trade of a carpenter

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