craftspersons

craftspersons — noun

1. people whose work is making, shaping, or decorating useful objects by hand, ofte

1.nounC1
Definition

people whose work is making, shaping, or decorating useful objects by hand, often within a traditional trade

Example

Hui and the other craftspersons sold hand-thrown bowls at the harbor market.

craftspersons sold handmade goods at a market

The museum hired craftspersons to rebuild the carved doors after the fire.

hire craftspersons to restore handmade objects

Common collocations
  • local craftspersons
  • traditional craftspersons
  • hire craftspersons
  • skilled craftspersons
Synonyms
  • artisans

    often sounds more formal and may suggest traditional or high-end handmade goods

  • makers

    broader and more informal; it can include hobby, digital, or DIY work

  • tradespeople

    usually points more to practical building or repair trades than decorative handcraft

Grammar Patterns

hire craftspersons to + verb

craftspersons who + verb

craftspersons in + place/trade

Usage Note

Usually names people whose job involves skilled hand-making. If the work is mainly repair, building, or factory production, a more specific job title is often clearer.

Common Mistakes

The phone factory craftspersons checked the machines all day.
The phone factory workers checked the machines all day.
craftspersons usually make or shape goods by hand, not do routine assembly-line work.

2. people admired for strong hand-making skill, whether or not that skill is their

2.nounC1
Definition

people admired for strong hand-making skill, whether or not that skill is their main job

Example

At the fair, Gabriel was among the craftspersons judged best at wood carving.

among the craftspersons judged best at a craft

Beatrix studied old craftspersons whose needlework stayed neat on both sides.

craftspersons whose work shows high skill

Common collocations
  • expert craftspersons
  • gifted craftspersons
  • award-winning craftspersons
  • master craftspersons
Synonyms
  • artisans

    close in meaning, but artisan more often sounds like an occupation label

  • masters

    stronger; it suggests top-level control or official rank in a craft

  • experts

    broader; it can describe knowledge in any field, not only handcraft

Grammar Patterns

craftspersons known for + noun/-ing

among the craftspersons

craftspersons with + skill

Usage Note

This sense focuses on praised ability rather than employment. Distinguish it from sense 1, which is mainly about people who do handcraft work as their occupation.

Common Mistakes

The craftspersons in the choir practiced all week.
The singers in the choir practiced all week.
this word is for people skilled at making things by hand, not performers in general.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

These words overlap, but they point to slightly different kinds of skilled work. Craftsperson is a gender-neutral word for someone who makes things by hand with practiced skill, especially in traditional or small-scale work. Artisan is close, though it often sounds more polished or premium, as in artisan bread or artisan furniture. Maker is broader and less formal; it can include hobby work, digital projects, or small DIY builds, not only handcraft. Tradesperson usually points toward practical building or repair jobs such as plumbing, electrical work, or carpentry. If Sahil sells hand-carved boxes, craftsperson or artisan fits well. If Padma repairs house wiring, tradesperson is the clearer choice.

craftsperson ↗artisanmaker ↗tradesperson

Common collocations

Nouns

  • craftspersons' guild
  • craftspersons' market
  • craftspersons' workshop

Phrases

  • local craftspersons
  • traditional craftspersons
  • skilled craftspersons

Prepositions

  • craftspersons in [place/trade]
  • craftspersons with [skill/tool]

Etymology

Old EnglishEnglish

Craftspersons is the regular plural of craftsperson. The singular was formed in modern English by replacing the older ending in craftsman with the gender-neutral word person. The first part, craft, comes from Old English craeft, a word for skill, strength, or a trade learned through practice.

First known use

1917

1917, in the meaning defined at sense 1