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

According to Wayfair’s material guide, rattan is flexible with a solid, sturdy core that contrasts with the related bamboo, allowing craftsmen to achieve beautiful and highly-functional pieces. —Kelsey Chapman, ABC News, 27 Mar. 2024

Rather than function as austere showpieces, Skelly’s creations blend into this welcoming home environment full of earthy colors and personal treasures, which include a beloved rocking chair inspired by Claremont-adjacent master craftsman Sam Maloof that Jessica’s father crafted in the 1970s. —Jessica Ritz, Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2024

Teresa’s abilities are unlocked, however, when a local craftsman gifts the Institute with a modern and immediately distrusted instrument: a piano. —Guy Lodge, Variety, 22 Feb. 2024

The notion of two perfectionist craftsmen working together to create the ultimate single malt is a compelling one, even if one of them comes from a different field. —Tony Sachs, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024

Handmade in France near the village of Laguiole, each bottle opener is made by a single craftsman, resulting in a true heirloom quality piece of art. —Maya Polton, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Feb. 2024

So for a designer looking to make a statuette celebrating artists and craftsmen, there could be no more appropriate model. —Scott Feinberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Mar. 2024

Architectural Masonry’s craftsmen restored the pergolas that ring the garden in the last phase of the project completed in November. —Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 30 Jan. 2024

These variations came down to individual craftsmen. —Chris Almeida, The New Yorker, 6 Jan. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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