artisan

[ahr-tuh-zuhn]

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

/ ɑːˈtɪzənəl, ˈɑːtɪˌzæn, ˈɑːtɪzənəl, ˌɑːtɪˈzæn /

noun

1. a skilled workman; craftsman

2. obsolete,  an artist

Other Word Forms

• artisanal adjective
• artisanship noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of artisan¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of artisan¹

C16: from French, from Old Italian artigiano, from arte _art ¹

Synonym Study

See artist.

Example Sentences

"Our shawls are not just fabric," he says, emphasising that most of his subjects are elderly artisans who spin, dye and weave each thread.

From BBC

The Oaxaca Slip-On was inspired by traditional leather sandals known as huaraches made by Indigenous artisans in Mexico.

From BBC

The owners of an award-winning artisan chocolate business say increased prices and staffing costs have forced them to close their cafe.

From BBC

Huaraches have long been a staple in Mexican communities, often handmade by artisans using traditional materials like leather and recycled rubber soles.

From Los Angeles Times

“It’s not just these solitary geniuses, right? They really were working in communities of artisans and clients,” says Piscitelli.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• builder 
• carpenter 
• craftsman 
• professional