craftsman

American  

[krafts-muhn] / ˈkræfts mən /

noun

plural

craftsmen

1. a person who practices or is highly skilled in a craft; artisan.

   Synonyms:

   handicraftsman, artificer

2. an artist.

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craftsman British  

/ ˈkrɑːftsmən /

noun

1. a member of a skilled trade; someone who practises a craft; artisan

2. Also called: craftswoman.  an artist skilled in the techniques of an art or craft

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Gender

Is craftsman gender-neutral? See -man.

Other Word Forms

• craftsmanlike adjective
• craftsmanly adjective
• craftsmanship noun

Etymology

Origin of craftsman

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English craftes man “man of skill,” earlier craftman; compare Old English cræftiga “craftsman, workman” (derivative of cræftig “skilled”; crafty )

Compare meaning

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

• arts and crafts vs. craftsman

Example Sentences

No craftsman could have molded the gold into such fine threads.

From Literature

The runaway success of "Demon Slayer" too, has seen DIY buffs and craftsmen worldwide post YouTube videos recreating some of its characters' outlandish katana, and racking up millions of views.

From Barron's

You could play as a hero, a villain, a bard, a craftsman and more.

From The Wall Street Journal

They are taught by older craftsmen and professionals, through stories and lore.

From The Wall Street Journal

In a dimly lit workshop in eastern China, craftsman Zhang measured and shaped a block of wood into a foot as dozens of half-completed life-sized Buddha statues looked on silently.

From Barron's

Related Words

• artisan