craftsmanship
Americannoun
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the art or skill of a craftsperson.
Sophisticated craftsmanship created a wide range of stone artifacts and bone tools such as awls, fishhooks, and needles, as well as beads and pendants made from imported shell and copper.
The author's craftsmanship is evident in her portrayal of the nail-biting tension between the characters.
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the quality of being well-crafted or well-built.
Among the examples of fine craftsmanship in this barn are the lap joints and the decorative louvered windows.
Her exquisite hats are distinguished by their precision construction, unparalleled craftsmanship, and unique designs.
-
the product or result of skilled labor or craft.
There are several markets offering fruits, vegetables, and traditional craftsmanship.
Etymology
Origin of craftsmanship
Explanation
Craftsmanship is what skilled artists and builders demonstrate when they create something. A well-built log house or a gorgeous hand-knit blanket both require craftsmanship to create. Craftsmanship comes from craftsman, whose root is the Old English cræft, which originally meant "physical strength" and later evolved to mean "trade or handicraft."
Vocabulary lists containing craftsmanship
Novel Study: Fahrenheit 451, Part I
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
After 130 years, the Louis Vuitton monogram still carries weight, hearkening back to an era of remarkable craftsmanship.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2026
Authentic versions carry a legacy of craftsmanship shaped by designers Ray and Charles Eames.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 24, 2026
"Sourdough remains a fascinating interplay of biology and craftsmanship," González Alonso concludes.
From Science Daily • Mar. 16, 2026
Arched doorways, exposed wood beams, and intricate ironwork speak to the craftsmanship of the era, while expansive windows and doors frame views of the surrounding desert and the San Jacinto Mountains.
From MarketWatch • Mar. 5, 2026
“Hell! It's a fine bit of craftsmanship, a good rifle that can fetch its own target and guarantees the bull's-eye every time.”
From "Fahrenheit 451" by Ray Bradbury
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
