craft

[ kraft, krahft ]

noun

, plural crafts craft.

1. an art, trade, or occupation requiring special skill, especially manual skill:

   the craft of a mason.

2. skill; dexterity:

   The silversmith worked with great craft.

   Synonyms: ability, talent

3. skill or ability used for bad purposes; cunning; deceit; guile.

   Synonyms: deceitfulness, shrewdness, craftiness, deception

4. the members of a trade or profession collectively; a guild.
5. a ship or other vessel.
6. a number of ships or other vessels taken as a whole:

   The craft were warned of possible heavy squalls.

7. aircraft collectively.
8. a single aircraft.

adjective

1. noting or relating to a food or other product made with special skill, especially manual skill:

   craft beer; craft coffee; a line of craft furniture.

verb (used with object)

1. to make or manufacture (an object or product) with skill and careful attention to detail.

craft

/ krɑːft /

noun

1. skill or ability, esp in handiwork
2. skill in deception and trickery; guile; cunning
3. an occupation or trade requiring special skill, esp manual dexterity
4. 1. the members of such a trade, regarded collectively
   2. ( as modifier )

      a craft guild

5. a single vessel, aircraft, or spacecraft
6. functioning as plural ships, boats, aircraft, or spacecraft collectively

verb

1. tr to make or fashion with skill, esp by hand

Other Words From

• craftless adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of craft¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English; Old English cræft “strength, skill”; cognate with German Kraft, Dutch kracht, Old Norse kraptr

Word History and Origins

Origin of craft¹

Old English cræft skill, strength; related to Old Norse kraptr power, skill, Old High German kraft

Synonym Study

See cunning.

Example Sentences

It’s an empowerment anthem, sure, and Diane Warren has crafted many of those.

From Los Angeles Times

He felt such a strong connection to Shields that he knew he could craft her story into a film.

From Los Angeles Times

The pair are now hoping for a big boost after a University of Oxford college got in touch asking them to craft items from a fallen tree on its land.

From BBC

“His professionalism, commitment to his craft and game preparation paved the way for the coaching we see across the league today.”

From Los Angeles Times

In crafting them, his office considers several factors, including the complete text of the measure and how it would change existing law, a spokesperson said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• aircraft
• airplane
• barge
• boat
• plane
• ship
• spacecraft
• vessel