handicraft

[han-dee-kraft, -krahft]

noun

1. manual skill.

2. an art, craft, or trade in which the skilled use of one's hands is required.

3. the articles made by handicraft.

   a shop offering the handicraft of various South American nations.

handicraft

/ ˈhændɪˌkrɑːft /

noun

1. skill or dexterity in working with the hands

2. a particular skill or art performed with the hands, such as weaving, pottery, etc

3. Also called: handcraft. the work produced by such a skill or art

   local handicraft is on sale

Other Word Forms

• handicraftship noun
• handicraftsman noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of handicraft¹

1225–75; Middle English hendi craft dexterous skill. See handy, craft

Word History and Origins

Origin of handicraft¹

C15: changed from _handcraft through the influence of _handiwork , which was analysed as if _handy + _work

Example Sentences

The simulation of human handicraft — of stagehands and horn players hiding in the wings — is unnerving.

From Los Angeles Times

Over the years, he's had offers - government grants, promises of apprentices, even suggestions from the state handicrafts department.

From BBC

Of course, this isn't the first time a global fashion brand has been accused of appropriating Indian handicrafts.

From BBC

In ancient Greece, Athena was the goddess of war, handicraft and wisdom.

From BBC

Since the painstaking technique of stop-motion animation relies literally on the artists’ handicraft, this tracks brilliantly.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• art 
• artifact 
• craft