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

see also:

craftsperson craftswoman

Synonyms of craftsman

• artisan
• artist
• maker
• craftsperson

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

With veteran craftsmen hanging up their tools in retirement, more and more factories are being forced to shutter their looms. —Jessica Binns, Sourcing Journal, 18 Mar. 2026

Hammerstein is much more of a musical dramatist, and Hart is much more of a lyrical craftsman or a lyrical comedian. —Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 14 Mar. 2026

Sears catalogued colonial and craftsman houses that still stand across Southern California cities including Monrovia and Placentia. —Amancai Biraben, Daily News, 4 Mar. 2026

This one still offers precise, flavorful food served on wood dishes made by Ainu craftsmen nearly 70 years ago, when the restaurant first opened. —Alex Halberstadt, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Feb. 2026

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