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.

---

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

---

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

Explanation

An artisan has both the creativity and the skill to make a product. Wandering around a local craft fair, you will often see artisans selling handicrafts like pot holders or beaded jewelry. In medieval times, blacksmiths, carpenters, and masons were artisan trades. Unskilled laborers were not. The hierarchy of skill and prestige among artisans, from apprentice to journeyman to master, is sometimes reflected in ranks among today’s trade union members. But today an artisan can just be someone who makes attractive and creative work with their hands, like jewelry or pottery. Although, if they're trying to sell their goods, it probably helps if they're very skilled.

Example Sentences

At one point, he introduces us to a late-medieval artisan, Johann Gensfleisch, whom he calls Johann and whom others—including the reader—would call Gutenberg.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 25, 2026

His own seed and nut farm - which had managed to stay open during bushfires and the pandemic - couldn't afford keep its usually popular artisan shop open, even at the weekend.

From BBC • Feb. 25, 2026

Cocowalk, revamped in 2021, is an old-style village square in the marina-dominated neighborhood, bursting with independent boutiques, artisan vendors, family-owned restaurants, and lush gardens.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 14, 2026

Her future as an artisan was a foregone conclusion.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 30, 2025

Hence, there is an emotional tension between artist and audience that has no counterpart in the relationship of artisan and customer.

From "History of Art, Volume 1" by H.W. Janson

Related Words

• builder
• carpenter
• craftsman
• professional