draughtsman

American  

[drafts-muhn, drahfts-] / ˈdræfts mən, ˈdrɑfts- /

noun

British.

plural

draughtsmen

1. a checker, as used in the game of checkers.

2. draftsman.

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draughtsman British  

/ ˈdrɑːftsmən /

noun

1. Also called (feminine): draughtswoman.  a person who practises or is qualified in mechanical drawing, employed to prepare detailed scale drawings of machinery, buildings, devices, etc

2. Also called (feminine): draughtswoman.  a person skilled in drawing

3. US and Canadian equivalent: checker.  any of the 12 flat thick discs used by each player in the game of draughts

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Other Word Forms

• draughtsmanship noun

Etymology

Origin of draughtsman

First recorded in 1655–65; draught + -s ³ + man

Example Sentences

Head coach Steve Borthwick measures out the shape of his team, prioritising consistency and reliability with the care and consideration of a draughtsman.

From BBC • Mar. 14, 2025

He was conscripted into the Royal Corps of Signals for his national service where, like many artists, he was given a role as a draughtsman and set to drawing electrical circuits, much to his disgust.

From BBC • Aug. 10, 2022

With all this renewed focus on this painter, etcher, printmaker, draughtsman, lover, fighter, genius and debtor, it’s fair to ask: Who is Rembrandt now?

From New York Times • Feb. 27, 2019

Utamaro was a draughtsman who contributed prodigiously to the production of ukiyo-e, the prints that depicted the gracious women of the floating world.

From Washington Post • Apr. 14, 2017

He was draughtsman to Captain Cook in his last voyage, and a witness of his death.

From English Painters with a chapter on American painters by Koehler, S. R.