handicraft

noun

hand·​i·​craft ˈhan-di-ˌkraft How to pronounce handicraft (audio)
-dē-
plural handicrafts
1
a
: manual labor or skill
… firing the … products of his handicraft in a diminutive bee-hive kiln …William Laurel Harris
b
: an occupation requiring skill with the hands
… the highly skilled artisans who specialize in handicrafts like embroidery, beading and appliqué …Elizabeth Paton
2
: the articles fashioned by those engaged in handicraft
usually used in plural
Woven baskets and other handicrafts were on display.
often used before another noun
handicraft products/shops
a handicraft exhibition
handicrafter noun
plural handicrafters

Examples of handicraft in a Sentence

Her favorite handicraft is sewing. volunteers demonstrating early American handicrafts, such as blacksmithing, glassblowing, and weaving
Recent Examples on the Web As part of an initiative to promote the beauty of Baja in a series of events highlighting Mexico’s gastronomy, wine, beer and handicrafts, Nortec’s music served as a point of reference for the originality that the region has to offer. Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 24 July 2023 As a Black- and woman-owned business, the store also offers a range of goods and handicrafts made by other local women of color — part of Beaty’s mission to uplift diverse women. Miranda Jeyaretnam, The Indianapolis Star, 21 July 2023 In addition, the hotels will encourage social encounters, interactions and experiences through a range of ‘pop-up corners’ dedicated to handicrafts, beauty or product tastings with partner brands. Angelina Villa-Clarke, Forbes, 27 Mar. 2023 Travelers who are interested in a cultural experience have the opportunity to learn about traditional handicrafts, nomadism, local cuisine and get to know participating families. Shelby Knick, Forbes, 19 Apr. 2023 There is also a shop, which sells many of the handicrafts on display in the museum, including art, pottery, baskets and woven textiles. Jack Nicas, New York Times, 2 Mar. 2023 Shop the original Hippy Market Punta Arabi, which has 500 stalls of handicraft knick-knackery and boho décor and clothing. Jessica Benavides Canepa, Travel + Leisure, 30 Apr. 2023 The things for sale — paperbacks, handmade candles, pagan wreaths, various handicrafts made by local artists — are almost incidental. Michelle Theriault Boots, Anchorage Daily News, 30 Apr. 2023 The island’s Hoshinoya Taketomi (from $827 a night) is a 48-villa upscale resort where a vibrant 94-year-old resident teaches guests mat weaving, one of several tizawa practices, aka handicraft in the local dialect. Kathryn Romeyn, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Apr. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'handicraft.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English handi-crafte, alteration of handcraft

First Known Use

1523, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of handicraft was in 1523

Dictionary Entries Near handicraft

Cite this Entry

“Handicraft.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/handicraft. Accessed 24 Sep. 2023.

Kids Definition

handicraft

noun
hand·​i·​craft ˈhan-di-ˌkraft How to pronounce handicraft (audio)
1
: an occupation (as weaving or pottery making) requiring skill with the hands
2
: articles made by one working at a handicraft
handicrafter noun

More from Merriam-Webster on handicraft

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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