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 The gift shop will highlight handicrafts and art by local artists and artisans. Michael Goldstein, Forbes, 21 Oct. 2024 Forbes reached out to Silversea and is awaiting comment on the specifics, however according to the press release, the hotel’s amenities will include an expansive restaurant, as well as a bar, lounge, fitness center and gift shop that will feature handicrafts and art by local artisans. Michelle Gross, Forbes, 3 Oct. 2024 Goods are sourced from both neighboring farms and international destinations alike, particularly highlighting the work of female artisans and sustainable handicraft. Linne Halpern, Architectural Digest, 13 Sep. 2024 Azza Fahmy also operates a fast-growing contemporary jewelry design school in Cairo and a foundation dedicated to handicraft preservation and vocational training. Sandra Salibian, WWD, 10 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for handicraft 

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 31 Oct. 2024.

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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