carpentry

American  

[kahr-puhn-tree] / ˈkɑr pən tri /

noun

1. the trade of a carpenter.

   He earned his living at carpentry.

2. the work produced by a carpenter.

3. the way in which something, especially a work of literature, is structured.

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carpentry British  

/ ˈkɑːpɪntrɪ /

noun

1. the art or technique of working wood

2. the work produced by a carpenter; woodwork

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Etymology

Origin of carpentry

1350–1400; Middle English carpentrie < Old North French < Latin carpentāria ( fabrica ) carriage-maker's (workshop). See carpenter, -y ³

Compare meaning

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

• carpentry vs. woodworking

Example Sentences

Ford said he was “not an overnight success,” having spent the first 15 years of his career jumping between acting and carpentry before landing an acting role.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 1, 2026

He does not earn enough from the sport to quit his carpentry business.

From BBC • Feb. 20, 2026

This marvel of 13th-century carpentry, among the oldest roofs in Paris, was where the fire started, and was a total loss.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 3, 2025

“So I’ve done that, I’ve tried to be useful in growing food and I’ve also taken up carpentry as well.”

From MarketWatch • Nov. 20, 2025

“Let’s go for a walk,” Arul said when he returned from his lessons at the carpentry shop that afternoon.

From "The Bridge Home" by Padma Venkatraman