craftsmanship
Americannoun
-
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.
-
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.
-
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
Novel Study: Fahrenheit 451, Part I
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Florida's B.E.S.T. Common Suffixes: -ship
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
This Was Our Pact
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
“With each passing month, it became clear that the work and craftsmanship necessary was far beyond what anyone had anticipated,” he noted.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 9, 2026
But Iron Heart, a Japanese company, has a worldwide fandom by following a different approach: an obsessive focus on craftsmanship.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 8, 2026
"That's some serious craftsmanship," a Weibo user wrote.
From BBC ● Aug. 17, 2026
But clever craftsmanship and a talented team aren’t enough to call something timeless.
From Salon ● Jul. 22, 2026
I was thinking he was definitely going to have to upgrade his craftsmanship if he wanted to sell his feeble-looking creations in the States, but it turns out it wasn’t exporting he had in mind.
From "Anthem of a Reluctant Prophet" by Joanne Proulx
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.
