journeyman

noun

jour·​ney·​man ˈjər-nē-mən 

1

: a worker who has learned a trade and works for another person usually by the day compare apprentice entry 1 sense 1b, master entry 1 sense 1c

2

: an experienced reliable worker, athlete, or performer especially as distinguished from one who is brilliant or colorful

… a good journeyman trumpeter …

—New Yorker

a journeyman outfielder

Did you know?

The journey in journeyman refers to a sense of the familiar word not often used anymore: "a day's labor." This sense of journey was first used in the 14th century. When journeyman appeared the following century, it originally referred to a person who, having learned a handicraft or trade through an apprenticeship, worked for daily wages. In the 16th century, journeyman picked up a figurative (and mainly deprecatory) sense; namely, "one who drudges for another." These days, however, journeyman has little to do with drudgery, and lots to do with knowing a trade inside out.

Examples of journeyman in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Some of them could be MLS journeymen who force their way into the mix. — Henry Bushnell, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026

An accomplished pass rush rarely laid a hand on journeyman quarterback Jacoby Brissett, with linebackers Daiyan Henley and Troy Dye combining for the only sack on a rare blitz. — ABC News, 14 Sep. 2026

This strophic song in five verses conveys the journeyman’s joyfulness through a jaunty, tuneful vocal line over a steadily striding piano accompaniment. — Literary Hub, 10 Sep. 2026

The menu’s through line is the way Bonner filters a whole world of Afro-Caribbean traditions through his perspective as a journeyman chef. — John Kessler, Chicago Tribune, 8 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from journey journey, a day's labor + man

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for journeyman

• businessman
• canavan
• caravan
• constantan
• dragoman
• fisherman
• handyman
• harmattan
• marianne
• middleman
• minivan
• minuteman

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Kids Definition

journeyman

noun

jour·​ney·​man ˈjər-nē-mən 

1

: a worker who has learned a trade and works for another person usually by the day

2

: an experienced reliable worker