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

The English period setting is conjured simply with an area rug, a sofa with a few throws and pillows and a draftsman table for Shotover’s wild engineering ideas. — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026

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

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