craftsmanship
Americannoun
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the art or skill of a craftsperson.
Sophisticated craftsmanship created a wide range of stone artifacts and bone tools such as awls, fishhooks, and needles, as well as beads and pendants made from imported shell and copper.
The author's craftsmanship is evident in her portrayal of the nail-biting tension between the characters.
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the quality of being well-crafted or well-built.
Among the examples of fine craftsmanship in this barn are the lap joints and the decorative louvered windows.
Her exquisite hats are distinguished by their precision construction, unparalleled craftsmanship, and unique designs.
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the product or result of skilled labor or craft.
There are several markets offering fruits, vegetables, and traditional craftsmanship.
Etymology
Origin of craftsmanship
Explanation
Craftsmanship is what skilled artists and builders demonstrate when they create something. A well-built log house or a gorgeous hand-knit blanket both require craftsmanship to create. Craftsmanship comes from craftsman, whose root is the Old English cræft, which originally meant "physical strength" and later evolved to mean "trade or handicraft."
Vocabulary lists containing craftsmanship
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“More than a home, this is a legacy estate-an architectural achievement designed for those who value beauty, craftsmanship, and the art of living well,” the listing concludes.
From MarketWatch • May 19, 2026
Sitting on a worn wooden chair in the garden on a cool Tuesday afternoon, Chambers, 43, a professional glass and metalsmith, reflected on his antiquated strain of craftsmanship.
From Los Angeles Times • May 6, 2026
This level of detail reflects the extraordinary craftsmanship of the Lahore School, which at the time was "at its most refined", Carter says.
From BBC • Apr. 25, 2026
“What these women do is unbelievable in terms of the craftsmanship and the attention to detail,” said Kirsten Kern.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 18, 2026
Scabbard and hilt bore no ornament; the craftsmanship lay in its proportion and balance.
From "The Black Cauldron" by Lloyd Alexander
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
