journeyman

noun

jour·​ney·​man ˈjər-nē-mən How to pronounce journeyman (audio)
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 trumpeterNew 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
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Rypien has made several stops as an NFL journeyman, most recently with the Cincinnati Bengals. Matt Audilet, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Oct. 2025 Some will never be signed as players have passed away or refuse to sign, including Rickey Wright, a journeyman pitcher with the Texas Rangers. Mark Billingsley, Sacbee.com, 13 Oct. 2025 Leo Rivas, a journeyman minor leaguer who only made his MLB debut last year, stepped up for the first postseason at-bat of his career on his 28th birthday. Jamie Barton, CNN Money, 11 Oct. 2025 Etienne will back up Dowdle, along with journeyman DeeJay Dallas, on Sunday against Dallas. Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 11 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for journeyman

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of journeyman was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Journeyman.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/journeyman. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

journeyman

noun
jour·​ney·​man ˈjər-nē-mən How to pronounce journeyman (audio)
1
: a worker who has learned a trade and works for another person usually by the day
2
: an experienced reliable worker
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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