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

Neither of the two catchers currently playing at Triple-A Oklahoma City – journeymen Eliezer Alfonzo and Chuckie Robinson – are on the Dodgers’ 40-man roster, meaning a promotion would come with an extra layer of moves to get either of them on the active roster. —Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 9 June 2026

After releasing Seby Zavala last week, the Dodgers’ triple-A catchers are Eliezer Alfonzo and Chuckie Robinson, both journeymen with only Robinson having some major-league experience. —Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2026

Tommy Tremble, Ja’Tavion Sanders and Mitchell Evans lead the group, while journeymen James Mitchell and Feleipe Franks are competing to fill the fourth spot. —Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 8 June 2026

The Super Bowl-winning quarterback, set to join CBS’ pregame show after announcing his retirement Wednesday, went from Seattle Seahawks superstar to frequently mocked journeyman so quickly that only time will help process the implications in an even-handed manner. —Mike Sando, New York Times, 5 June 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