draftsman

noun

drafts·​man ˈdraf(t)-smən 

ˈdräf(t)-

1

: a person who draws plans and sketches (as of machinery or structures)

2

: a person who draws legal documents or other writings

3

: an artist who excels in drawing

draftsmanly

ˈdraf(t)-smən-lē 

ˈdräf(t)-

adjective

draftsmanship

ˈdraf(t)-smən-ˌship 

ˈdräf(t)-

noun

Examples of draftsman in a Sentence

Her use of color is not outstanding, but she is a first-rate draftsman.

Recent Examples on the Web

In May of 1776, John Adams, an accomplished draftsman who penned the state Constitution of Massachusetts (still the world's oldest), organized the committee responsible for drafting the Declaration of Independence. —Lee Habeeb, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 July 2025

University of Texas professor Tara A. Dudley will lead visitors along East Austin’s Keystone Addition, featuring homes built by Lott Construction Co., where Chase worked as a draftsman before and during his studies at UT. —Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025

These tools molded Shahn as a draftsman and gave him a signature style, even in his paintings. —Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 24 June 2025

Eventually Gauguin got a job as a draftsman for the department of public works and began writing political commentary for a local paper, but his sense of having betrayed his values and gifts in Tahiti’s colonial milieu only grew. —Susan Tallman, The Atlantic, 30 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1663, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for draftsman

• craftsman
• draftsmen
• draughtsman
• draughtsmen

Kids Definition

draftsman

noun

drafts·​man ˈdraf(t)s-mən 

ˈdrȧf(t)s-

: a person who draws plans (as for machinery)

draftsmanship

-ˌship 

noun

Legal Definition

draftsman

noun

drafts·​man ˈdrafts-mən 

: a person who prepares or composes legal or legislative documents

draftsmanship noun