draftsman

[ drafts-muhn, drahfts- ]

noun

, plural drafts·men.

1. a person employed in making mechanical drawings, as of machines, structures, etc.
2. a person who draws sketches, plans, or designs.
3. an artist exceptionally skilled in drawing:

   Matisse was a superb draftsman.

4. a person who draws up documents.
5. draughtsman ( def 1 ).

draftsman

/ ˈdrɑːftsmən /

noun

1. the usual US spelling of draughtsman draughtsman

Gender Note

See -man.

Derived Forms

• ˈdraftsmanship, noun

Other Words From

• draftsman·ship noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of draftsman¹

First recorded in 1655–65; draft + 's ¹ + man

Example Sentences

The catalog entry for that exhibition, by Carmen C. Bambach, the Met’s curator of drawings and prints, describes it as “the only surviving manifestation of Michelangelo’s skill as a draftsman in large scale.”

From New York Times

He worked variously as a private investigator, machinist and draftsman.

From Los Angeles Times

He parents hoped he would become a draftsman but he discovered a facility for writing when he worked on the student newspaper.

From New York Times

Under me I have an art director, then draftsmen, and production coordinator and the paint department and graphic designer.

From Los Angeles Times

Philip Berkheimer, a 53-year-old draftsman in Frederick County, is an independent who voted for Republicans down the line this year, hoping for a change.

From Washington Post