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

Wolff originated the proposal that became Section 301 and was the lead draftsman of the Trade Act of 1974. — Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 16 Sep. 2026

Willem de Kooning was the best draftsman of his generation of postwar American artists. — Sebastian Smee, The Atlantic, 16 Sep. 2026

Contra Zola, Gérôme’s talents as a draftsman, combined with his slick finishes and his touches of veracity in costume and design, show how style was just as important to him as any subject. — Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 13 July 2026

Archie Stark in the census records lists himself as a draftsman in 1930. — Stuart James, New York Times, 29 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1635, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for draftsman

• craftsman
• draftsmen
• draughtsman

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