artisan

American  

[ahr-tuh-zuhn] / ˈɑr tə zən /

noun

1. a person skilled in a utilitarian art, trade, or craft, especially one requiring manual skill; a craftsperson.

2. a person or company that makes a high-quality or distinctive product in small quantities, usually by hand or using traditional methods.

   our favorite local food artisans.

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adjective

1. pertaining to an artisan or the product of an artisan; artisanal.

   artisan beer.

artisan British  

/ ɑːˈtɪzənəl, ˈɑːtɪˌzæn, ˈɑːtɪzənəl, ˌɑːtɪˈzæn /

noun

1. a skilled workman; craftsman

2. obsolete an artist

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Related Words

See artist.

Other Word Forms

• artisanal adjective
• artisanship noun

Etymology

Origin of artisan

First recorded in 1530–40; from French, from Italian artigiano, equivalent to Latin artīt(us) “trained in arts and crafts” (past participle of artīre ) + Italian -iano (from Latin -iānus ); art ¹, -ite ², -ian

Compare meaning

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

• artisan vs. artesian

Example Sentences

Her future as an artisan was a foregone conclusion.

From Los Angeles Times

It has also partnered with Native American artisans such textile weaver Naiomi Glasses as part of its artist in residence program.

From The Wall Street Journal

For the intricate plasterwork, he hired the same artisans who had worked on the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas.

From The Wall Street Journal

The latest installments, “East” and “West,” focus on artisans engaged at the highest level of their sometimes obscure vocations.

From The Wall Street Journal

She believes these symbols functioned as makers' marks, identifying the workshops and artisans responsible for producing some of the most complex glass objects in the Roman world.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• builder
• carpenter
• craftsman
• professional