craftsman

noun

crafts·​man ˈkraf(t)s-mən 

plural craftsmen

1

: a person and especially a man who practices a trade or handicraft as a job

The router offers a wide range of speeds and is designed for the cabinetmaker, solid surface fabricator and other craftsmen.

—Wood & Wood Products

2

: a person and especially a man who is skilled in a craft (see craft entry 1 sense 2a)

… a genuine craftsman with an ear for dialogue and, more importantly, an understanding of the human heart.

—Wes Lukowsky

craftsmanlike

ˈkraf(t)s-mən-ˌlīk 

adjective

craftsmanly

ˈkraf(t)s-mən-lē 

adjective

craftsmanship

ˈkraf(t)s-mən-ˌship 

noun

compare craftsperson, craftswoman

Synonyms

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

Examples of craftsman in a Sentence

Skilled craftsmen carved the enormous mantel.

He is a master craftsman who works with marble.

As a writer he has developed into a true craftsman.

Recent Examples on the Web

Still, Goings has had to confront an existential threat to his business: the aging workforce of carousel craftsmen. —Christopher Cann, USA Today, 26 May 2025

Shot on location in the Japanese countryside, the film features production design and practical effects from some of Japan’s top craftsmen. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 16 May 2025

Like craftsmen in Japan, a woodworker who makes one thing his whole life. —Alisha Miranda, Bon Appetit Magazine, 16 May 2025

The Japanese craftsman technique was true to the promise of having a quiet, easy-to-put-together setup. —Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 12 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for craftsman

• draftsman
• draftsmen
• draughtsman
• draughtsmen

Kids Definition

craftsman

noun

crafts·​man ˈkraf(t)-smən 

1

: one who practices a trade or handicraft : artisan

2

: a highly skilled worker

craftsmanship

-ˌship 

noun