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• 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.

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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

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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

It educates us in many arcane worlds of arts and crafts, quilts, chairs, pickle crocks and other items whose value really can be in the eye of the beholder.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

"This Easter, there are a range of HAF activities available, including sports, swimming, theatre, dance, arts and crafts."

From BBC • Mar. 16, 2026

James pointed to a bookcase raised on knobby feet that made up the arts and crafts section.

From "Book Scavenger" by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman