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

Thirty-one of 32 NFL teams have had a QB throw at least 30 touchdown passes in a season — and then there are the Chicago Bears, whose single-season passing TD record is 29, held by undrafted journeyman Erik Kramer. —Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Apr. 2024

One only needs to look at the example of former UNC quarterback Mitch Trubisky, appointed a QB savior in 2017 when he was drafted No. 2 overall by the Chicago Bears and now relegated to the status of an NFL journeyman/backup. —Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 25 Apr. 2024

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

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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