draftsman

noun

drafts·​man ˈdraf(t)-smən How to pronounce draftsman (audio)
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 How to pronounce draftsman (audio)
ˈdräf(t)-
adjective
draftsmanship 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Delaney’s skills as a draftsman were discovered when, still in his mid-teens, in Knoxville—where his mother took in laundry and cleaned houses to support the family—he was employed for a time at a shoe-shine and leather joint. Hilton Als, New Yorker, 17 July 2025 Wright, who began working as a draftsman in 1887, changed all of that with his designs, which today look delightfully retro. AFAR Media, 14 July 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for draftsman

Word History

First Known Use

1663, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of draftsman was in 1663

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Draftsman.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/draftsman. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

draftsman

noun
drafts·​man ˈdraf(t)s-mən How to pronounce draftsman (audio)
ˈdrȧf(t)s-
: a person who draws plans (as for machinery)
draftsmanship noun

Legal Definition

draftsman

noun
drafts·​man ˈdrafts-mən How to pronounce draftsman (audio)
: a person who prepares or composes legal or legislative documents
draftsmanship noun

More from Merriam-Webster on draftsman

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