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.
Roberts graduated from the carpentry and cabinetry program at Columbus Technical College—which received a grant from the Lowe’s Foundation—while working full-time as a diesel mechanic. Preston Fore, Fortune, 7 Apr. 2026 Removing bees from your home may require some carpentry work to safely remove them and prevent future swarms from taking up residence. Asia London Palomba, The Spruce, 7 Apr. 2026 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 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 19 Apr. 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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