arts and crafts: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral to informal
Quick answer
What does “arts and crafts” mean?
Activities involving the making of decorative or practical objects by hand, often as a hobby.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Activities involving the making of decorative or practical objects by hand, often as a hobby.
A movement or field emphasizing traditional manual skills and decorative design, often associated with education, community activities, or small-scale creative production.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. The term is equally common in both varieties. In institutional names, the UK historically favored 'Arts and Crafts Movement' (capitalized) for the late 19th/early 20th-century design movement.
Connotations
In both, it strongly connotes hobbyist, educational (school projects), or community-based activities. Can sometimes carry a slight connotation of being simplistic or amateurish compared to fine art.
Frequency
Equally frequent in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “arts and crafts” in a Sentence
do [arts and crafts]be interested in [arts and crafts]an [arts and crafts] classthe [arts and crafts] movementVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “arts and crafts” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She arts-and-crafts every weekend.
American English
- We're planning to arts-and-crafts all afternoon.
adverb
British English
- [Not standard]
American English
- [Not standard]
adjective
British English
- She bought some lovely arts-and-crafts supplies in town.
American English
- They visited an arts-and-crafts store for project materials.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to a retail sector (arts and crafts stores), tourism (local crafts markets), or small business category for handmade goods.
Academic
Used in art history ('the Arts and Crafts Movement'), education studies, or cultural studies discussing folk traditions.
Everyday
Commonly used for hobbies, children's activities, community centre classes, or weekend markets.
Technical
In design history, refers specifically to the Arts and Crafts Movement, a reaction against industrialization.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “arts and crafts”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “arts and crafts”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “arts and crafts”
- Using a singular verb (e.g., 'Arts and crafts is fun' is acceptable as a singular concept, but 'are' is also common).
- Misspelling as 'arts *n* crafts' in formal writing.
- Confusing it with 'artisanal' which is more often used for food/professional goods.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be treated as either. When referring to the general activity or field (uncountable), use singular verbs: 'Arts and crafts is her passion.' When referring to multiple items or types, use plural: 'Various arts and crafts were on display.'
They are largely synonymous. 'Handicrafts' can sound slightly more traditional or formal. 'Arts and crafts' is broader and more common in everyday and educational contexts (especially with children).
Only when referring specifically to the historical 'Arts and Crafts Movement' (late 19th century). In general usage (hobbies, classes), it is in lowercase.
Informally, yes (e.g., 'Let's arts and crafts this weekend'), but this is playful and non-standard. In formal writing, use phrases like 'do arts and crafts' or 'work on crafts'.
Activities involving the making of decorative or practical objects by hand, often as a hobby.
Arts and crafts is usually neutral to informal in register.
Arts and crafts: in British English it is pronounced /ˌɑːts ən ˈkrɑːfts/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌɑrts ən ˈkræfts/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Not typically used idiomatically]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine an ART gallery next to a CRAFT beer pub; together they host a market for handmade items – 'Arts and Crafts'.
Conceptual Metaphor
CREATIVITY IS MANUAL LABOR (the value is in the hands-on making).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'arts and crafts' LEAST likely to be used?