craftsman

[ krafts-muhn ]

noun

, plural crafts·men.

1. a person who practices or is highly skilled in a craft; artisan.

   Synonyms: handicraftsman, artificer

2. an artist.

craftsman

/ ˈkrɑːftsmən /

noun

1. a member of a skilled trade; someone who practises a craft; artisan
2. Also calledfemcraftswoman an artist skilled in the techniques of an art or craft

Gender Note

Is craftsman gender-neutral? See -man.

Derived Forms

• ˈcraftsmanˌlike, adjective
• ˈcraftsmanly, adjective
• ˈcraftsmanˌship, noun

Other Words From

• crafts·man·like adjective
• crafts·man·ly adjective
• crafts·man·ship noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of craftsman¹

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English craftes man “man of skill,” earlier craftman; compare Old English cræftiga “craftsman, workman” (derivative of cræftig “skilled”; crafty )

Example Sentences

In the past five years, he has hired half a dozen craftsmen to create replicas of these statues, each taking between three months and a year to finish.

From BBC

For Tom Anderson, founder of Tom Anderson Guitarworks, who’s been a mentor and “second father” to Blackwell for 22 years, watching him go from a beginner to a skillful craftsman isn’t a surprise.

From Los Angeles Times

Created in 1934, the Ludo bracelet features updates like delicate mesh in hexagon and briquette motifs, woven by the maison’s craftsmen to heighten the effect of a supple ribbon.

From Los Angeles Times

The coin is thought to have been made by Royal Mint craftsmen before the 20p denomination was released into circulation in 1982.

From BBC

I’ve always been a craftsman and an artist and love where craft & art intersect.

From Salon

Related Words

• artisan