plural crafts
1
: skill in planning, making, or executing : dexterity
"We have not the strength with which to fight this man; we must … win, if win we can, by craft."—
Jack London
Jack London2
a
: an occupation, trade, or activity requiring manual dexterity or artistic skill
the carpenter's craft
the craft of writing plays
crafts such as pottery, carpentry, and sewing
He learned the craft as an apprentice.
b
3
: skill in deceiving to gain an end
used craft and guile to close the deal
4
: the members of a trade or trade association
5
crafted; crafting; crafts
: to make or produce with care, skill, or ingenuity
She is crafting a new sculpture.
a carefully crafted story
Synonyms
Examples of craft in a Sentence
Noun
never hesitated to resort to craft to get what they wanted in life
borrowed a craft to get across the river
Verb
The furniture is crafted from bamboo.
He is crafting a new sculpture.
She crafted a strategy to boost the company's earnings.
Recent Examples on the WebSharon Greenthal, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Nov. 2023
The cast comprises Uruguayan and Argentine actors, most of whom are newcomers to the craft.
—Paul Grein, Billboard, 17 Nov. 2023
Depending on the season, visitors can learn about traditional crafts, enjoy festivals held on-site, or head out for bird-watching, canoeing, or snowshoeing.
—Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 16 Nov. 2023
Equipped with a 252 kWh battery, the craft is also the first in its segment to offer a range of up to 54 nautical miles.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 16 Nov. 2023
Lena learned the craft through her sister, a weaver at Le Costantine working under one of its founders, Giulia Starace.
—Sebastian Cabrices, Vogue, 14 Nov. 2023
The craft that crashed was an MH-60 helicopter, the officials said.
—Luis Martinez, ABC News, 12 Nov. 2023
Her brother Terry was the Tampa Bay Times’ outdoors editor for more than 25 years
Susan isn’t the only sibling to master their craft — as her brother Terry was a prolific journalist.
—Emily Weaver, Peoplemag, 4 Nov. 2023
This sleek machine crafts perfect cappuccinos, lattes, and espressos right at home.
—Mia Meltzer, Rolling Stone, 2 Nov. 2023
Kyle Denis, Billboard, 17 Nov. 2023
City officials said the exemptions will be carefully crafted to prevent abuse.
—David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Nov. 2023
Here, mementos crafted from the bottom inch of Christmas trees from years past dangle between the boughs.
—Kaylei Fear, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Nov. 2023
This was crafted into a series of parallel plates with gaps in between them, which allowed fluid to flow through the device.
—John Timmer, Ars Technica, 16 Nov. 2023
Featuring a high waist and loose leg fit, they are crafted from a special material blend for breathability, moisture-wicking, and flexibility.
—Kathy Barr, Rolling Stone, 15 Nov. 2023
Spanning 40 by 50 mm, the sizable case is crafted from 18-karat rose gold and titanium.
—Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 7 Nov. 2023
The package crafted by U.S. Senate Finance chair Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) is slated to be marked up on Nov. 8 and includes policy on a broad range of health care priorities, including substance abuse and mental health care, and extensions to provider pay.
—Ed Silverman Reprints, STAT, 3 Nov. 2023
The plot is being kept under wraps, but Baker is known for crafting low-budget features examining people overlooked by society that emerge as critical hits and awards contenders.
—Aaron Couch, The Hollywood Reporter, 2 Nov. 2023
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Noun
And all the better when the craft makes a simple, affordable addition to your holiday decor.
—Sharon Greenthal, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Nov. 2023
The cast comprises Uruguayan and Argentine actors, most of whom are newcomers to the craft.
—Paul Grein, Billboard, 17 Nov. 2023
Depending on the season, visitors can learn about traditional crafts, enjoy festivals held on-site, or head out for bird-watching, canoeing, or snowshoeing.
—Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 16 Nov. 2023
Equipped with a 252 kWh battery, the craft is also the first in its segment to offer a range of up to 54 nautical miles.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 16 Nov. 2023
Lena learned the craft through her sister, a weaver at Le Costantine working under one of its founders, Giulia Starace.
—Sebastian Cabrices, Vogue, 14 Nov. 2023
The craft that crashed was an MH-60 helicopter, the officials said.
—Luis Martinez, ABC News, 12 Nov. 2023
Her brother Terry was the Tampa Bay Times’ outdoors editor for more than 25 years
Susan isn’t the only sibling to master their craft — as her brother Terry was a prolific journalist.
—Emily Weaver, Peoplemag, 4 Nov. 2023
This sleek machine crafts perfect cappuccinos, lattes, and espressos right at home.
—Mia Meltzer, Rolling Stone, 2 Nov. 2023
Verb
Talk to me about crafting your vocal arrangements and background harmonies?
—Kyle Denis, Billboard, 17 Nov. 2023
City officials said the exemptions will be carefully crafted to prevent abuse.
—David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Nov. 2023
Here, mementos crafted from the bottom inch of Christmas trees from years past dangle between the boughs.
—Kaylei Fear, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Nov. 2023
This was crafted into a series of parallel plates with gaps in between them, which allowed fluid to flow through the device.
—John Timmer, Ars Technica, 16 Nov. 2023
Featuring a high waist and loose leg fit, they are crafted from a special material blend for breathability, moisture-wicking, and flexibility.
—Kathy Barr, Rolling Stone, 15 Nov. 2023
Spanning 40 by 50 mm, the sizable case is crafted from 18-karat rose gold and titanium.
—Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 7 Nov. 2023
The package crafted by U.S. Senate Finance chair Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) is slated to be marked up on Nov. 8 and includes policy on a broad range of health care priorities, including substance abuse and mental health care, and extensions to provider pay.
—Ed Silverman Reprints, STAT, 3 Nov. 2023
The plot is being kept under wraps, but Baker is known for crafting low-budget features examining people overlooked by society that emerge as critical hits and awards contenders.
—Aaron Couch, The Hollywood Reporter, 2 Nov. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'craft.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
Noun and Verb
Middle English, strength, skill, from Old English cræft; akin to Old High German kraft strength
First Known Use
Noun
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Verb
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of craft was
before the 12th century
Phrases Containing craft
Dictionary Entries Near craft
Cite this Entry
“Craft.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/craft. Accessed 2 Dec. 2023.
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Kids Definition
craft
1 of 2 noun1
: skill in planning, making, or doing
2
a
: an occupation requiring skill in using the hands : trade
b
plural
: articles made by craftspeople
a store selling crafts
3
: skill in deceiving to gain an end
4
: the members of a trade
5
craft
2 of 2 verb
: to make by or as if by hand
crafted a sculpture
a carefully crafted story
crafter
noun
More from Merriam-Webster on craft
Nglish: Translation of craft for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of craft for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about craft
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