handicraft

[ han-dee-kraft, -krahft ]

noun

1. manual skill.
2. an art, craft, or trade in which the skilled use of one's hands is required.
3. the articles made by handicraft:

   a shop offering the handicraft of various South American nations.

handicraft

/ ˈhændɪˌkrɑːft /

noun

1. skill or dexterity in working with the hands
2. a particular skill or art performed with the hands, such as weaving, pottery, etc
3. Also calledhandcraft the work produced by such a skill or art

   local handicraft is on sale

Derived Forms

• ˈhandiˌcraftsman, noun

Other Words From

• handi·craftship noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of handicraft¹

1225–75; Middle English hendi craft dexterous skill. See handy, craft

Word History and Origins

Origin of handicraft¹

C15: changed from handcraft through the influence of handiwork , which was analysed as if handy + work

Example Sentences

That threat is existential and highly documented: namely, the digital revolution has done to the analog world of art, media and communication what the industrial revolution did to agrarian and handicraft economies a century before.

From Los Angeles Times

Throughout the old town, kitschy souvenir shops have replaced handicraft stalls and bookstores.

From New York Times

The museum showed an immersive installation about climate change by the Icelandic artist Jónsi this year and is currently exhibiting contemporary art and handicraft by Indigenous artists from Sápmi, Canada and Alaska.

From Seattle Times

It is a major source of income for locals and their sightseeing, restaurant, hotel and handicraft businesses.

From Seattle Times

The process begins with some choice cuts of maple and spruce, and — if all goes according to plan — ends with a beautiful piece of handicraft that is also a functional musical instrument.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• art
• artifact
• craft