Jump To:

• arts and crafts
  arts and crafts

  noun

  the handcrafting and decoration of especially utilitarian objects.
• Arts and Crafts
  Arts and Crafts

  plural noun

  decorative handicraft and design, esp that of the Arts and Crafts movement , in late nineteenth-century Britain, which sought to revive medieval craftsmanship

arts and crafts

American  

noun

1. the handcrafting and decoration of especially utilitarian objects.

---

Arts and Crafts British  

plural noun

1. decorative handicraft and design, esp that of the Arts and Crafts movement , in late nineteenth-century Britain, which sought to revive medieval craftsmanship

---

Etymology

Origin of arts and crafts

First recorded in 1885–90

Compare meaning

How does arts-and-crafts compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• arts and crafts vs. craftsman

Example Sentences

"Reminder: HOV occupants need to be actual people, not your arts and crafts project," California Highway Patrol in Haywood posted on their Facebook page on Tuesday.

From Barron's • May 13, 2026

There will be an opening ceremony, a massive viewing area, entertainment, soccer exhibitions, an arts and crafts fair, interactive booths, and food and beverage vendors.

From Los Angeles Times • May 5, 2026

Other recipients have turned theirs into arts and crafts projects.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 30, 2025

Fun is familiar here, with events like the Columbia Festival of the Arts with – what else – arts and crafts, live music and kids’ activities.

From MarketWatch • Oct. 29, 2025

Jeffrey and I collaborated on the research, while Anna and Danielle were in charge of designing the arts and crafts activity.

From "Because of Mr. Terupt" by Rob Buyea