craftsperson: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1formal, professional, gender-inclusive
Quick answer
What does “craftsperson” mean?
A person who is skilled at making things by hand, often using traditional methods.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who is skilled at making things by hand, often using traditional methods.
A professional who demonstrates high skill, care, and artistry in their trade or creative work; also used as a gender-neutral alternative to 'craftsman' or 'craftswoman'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Used similarly in both varieties. The term 'craftsman' remains more common in both, but 'craftsperson' is the preferred gender-neutral term in official or inclusive contexts.
Connotations
In both varieties, carries connotations of quality, tradition, and artistry. In the US, may be slightly more associated with the contemporary 'maker' movement. In the UK, may retain a slightly stronger link to heritage crafts.
Frequency
Low-to-medium frequency in both. More frequent in official documentation, job titles, and contexts where gender-neutral language is prioritised.
Grammar
How to Use “craftsperson” in a Sentence
[craftsperson] + of + [material/type] (e.g., craftsperson of leather)[craftsperson] + in + [field/location] (e.g., craftsperson in ceramics)[adjective] + craftspersonVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “craftsperson” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (Not standard. The verb is 'to craft'.)
American English
- (Not standard. The verb is 'to craft'.)
adverb
British English
- (Not standard. No direct adverbial form.)
American English
- (Not standard. No direct adverbial form.)
adjective
British English
- (Not standard. The adjective is 'craft' or 'crafted'.)
American English
- (Not standard. The adjective is 'craft' or 'crafted'.)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in job titles, descriptions, and marketing for bespoke or high-quality goods (e.g., 'We employ a lead craftsperson for our furniture line').
Academic
Used in anthropology, history, and cultural studies when discussing gender roles in traditional economies or the 'maker' movement.
Everyday
Less common in casual speech; 'craftsman' or 'someone who makes things' is more typical.
Technical
Used in heritage craft documentation, guild publications, and design/manufacturing specifications to denote a skilled manual creator.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “craftsperson”
- Misspelling as 'craftperson' (missing the 's').
- Using it as a plural (the plural is 'craftspeople' or 'craftspersons').
- Overusing in contexts where 'artisan' or 'maker' is more natural.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. While both involve skill and creativity, a 'craftsperson' often emphasises functional, handmade objects and mastery of a specific material or technique, whereas 'artist' may focus more on conceptual or purely aesthetic expression.
The most common and accepted plural is 'craftspeople'. 'Craftspersons' is also grammatically correct but less frequently used.
They are largely synonymous. 'Artisan' often carries stronger connotations of food (artisan bread) or a pre-industrial context, and is not gender-specific. Use 'craftsperson' when you want to be explicitly gender-neutral or are referring to a defined skilled trade.
Relatively. It emerged in the late 20th century alongside other '-person' compounds (e.g., chairperson) as part of a movement towards gender-neutral language in professional and official contexts.
A person who is skilled at making things by hand, often using traditional methods.
Craftsperson is usually formal, professional, gender-inclusive in register.
Craftsperson: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkrɑːftsˌpɜːsən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkræftsˌpɜːrsən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms specific to 'craftsperson'.]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: A CRAFTy PERson with SONg-like skill in making things. Combines 'craft' and 'person'.
Conceptual Metaphor
HANDS ARE TOOLS OF QUALITY (The skilled hands of the craftsperson guarantee excellence).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary reason for using the term 'craftsperson' over 'craftsman' in modern contexts?