craft

IPA/krɑːft/
KK[krˈæft]IPA/kræft/

craft — noun

  • craftsingular
  • craftsplural

1. a skilled occupation in which you make useful or decorative objects by hand; als

1.nounB1
Definition

a skilled occupation in which you make useful or decorative objects by hand; also, the expertise that such work requires, or an item produced in this way

Example

After years of training, Amihan became a true master of her craft.

master of (one's) craft

The weekend market sells traditional crafts made by local potters and weavers.

traditional crafts

Common collocations
  • learn a craft
  • practice a craft
  • traditional craft
  • arts and crafts
  • master of a craft
Synonyms
  • skill

    broader; can apply to any ability, not just making things

  • art

    focuses more on creativity and expression; a craft can become an art

  • trade

    emphasises the commercial or occupational side of skilled work

  • craftsmanship

    the quality of skill shown in something made

Usage Note

When uncountable, the word refers to skill or experience in general ('respect for his craft'). When countable, it refers to a specific type of work or the objects made ('textile crafts like weaving').

Common Mistakes

She learned the craft of driving.
She learned the skill of driving.
'craft' is not used for everyday abilities like driving; it implies making or creating something with skill.
I bought a craft at the shop.
I bought a handcrafted item at the shop.
'craft' as a countable noun usually refers to a type of work or activity, not a single product.

2. a means of transport designed to move across water or fly above ground, includin

2.nounB2
Definition

a means of transport designed to move across water or fly above ground, including boats, aeroplanes, and spacecraft

Example

A small wooden craft carried the fishermen across the calm lake.

The harbour was full of pleasure craft on warm summer weekends.

pleasure craft

Common collocations
  • small craft
  • pleasure craft
  • naval craft
  • landing craft
  • patrol craft
Synonyms
  • vessel

    more formal; used especially for large ships

  • boat

    specific to water vehicles; more common in everyday use

  • aircraft

    covers planes, helicopters, and other flying vehicles

Usage Note

This sense is commonly used with a modifier that describes the vehicle's purpose or size ('pleasure craft', 'landing craft', 'patrol craft'). The plural form is usually 'craft' (not 'crafts').

Common Mistakes

The crafts in the harbour include many fishing boats.
The craft in the harbour include many fishing boats.
the plural of 'craft' meaning vehicles is usually 'craft', not 'crafts'.
I took a craft across the river.
I took a boat across the river.
'craft' sounds unnatural for a single everyday ferry ride; use a more specific word.

craft — verb

craft — adjective

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

All four words relate to ability and expertise, but they differ in scope and tone. 'Skill' is the broadest — it can describe any learned ability, from typing to surgery, and does not imply manual or creative work. 'Art' emphasises imagination, originality, and personal expression; while a craft can become an art, 'art' is not tied to practical or functional objects. 'Trade' points to the occupational and commercial side — a trade is a job you train for and earn money from, but it does not highlight the care or quality of the work itself. 'Craftsmanship' specifically refers to the high standard of skill visible in a finished object, such as the fine joinery of a wooden cabinet or the precise stitching of a leather bag. For example: 'She has the skill to fix any engine' (broad ability), 'His poetry is an art' (creative expression), 'He works in the building trade' (occupation), and 'The table shows excellent craftsmanship' (quality of work).

skill ↗art ↗trade ↗craftsmanship ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • arts and crafts

Prepositions

Etymology

Old EnglishDutchGermanEnglish

The word comes from Old English 'craeft', meaning skill, strength, or power. It is related to Dutch 'kracht' and German 'Kraft', both meaning strength. The original sense of 'skill' developed into different branches: the meaning 'a boat or ship' arose in the 1600s from the idea of a vessel that requires skill to navigate, while the verb sense 'to make with care and skill' became common from the 1800s. The modern adjective use for small-batch food and drink (as in 'craft beer') started in the late 1900s.