craftswoman: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, descriptive, sometimes used in gender-specific contexts.
Quick answer
What does “craftswoman” mean?
A woman who is skilled at making things by hand, especially in a traditional or artistic way.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A woman who is skilled at making things by hand, especially in a traditional or artistic way.
A woman who is highly skilled in a particular craft, trade, or art; can also metaphorically refer to a woman who demonstrates great skill or artistry in any field.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is similar, though 'craftsperson' or 'artisan' may be preferred as gender-neutral alternatives in both varieties, especially in modern contexts.
Connotations
In both varieties, it connotes traditional skill, artistry, and manual dexterity. It can carry a slightly formal or dated tone compared to more generic terms.
Frequency
Low to medium frequency in both varieties. More common in written descriptions, historical contexts, or profiles of artists than in everyday conversation.
Grammar
How to Use “craftswoman” in a Sentence
craftswoman of [skill/art]craftswoman in [field]craftswoman who [clause]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “craftswoman” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She craftswomanned the entire pottery collection herself.
- The jewellery was beautifully craftswomanned.
American English
- She craftswomaned the intricate wooden sculpture.
- The quilt was expertly craftswomaned.
adverb
British English
- She worked craftswomanly on the detailed embroidery.
- The cabinet was assembled craftswomanly.
American English
- She shaped the clay craftswomanly.
- The metal was forged craftswomanly.
adjective
British English
- She comes from a long line of craftswoman potters.
- The craftswoman community in St Ives is thriving.
American English
- Her craftswoman skills are exceptional.
- They attended a craftswoman workshop in Asheville.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in profiles of small business owners, especially in artisan markets, e-commerce, and creative industries.
Academic
Found in historical, anthropological, or gender studies texts discussing traditional roles and skilled labour.
Everyday
Used when specifically referring to a woman's profession or hobby in crafting, woodworking, pottery, etc.
Technical
Rare in highly technical fields; more common in manuals or discussions of traditional craftsmanship techniques.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “craftswoman”
- Using 'craftsman' to refer to a woman (though sometimes accepted as generic, it's not specific).
- Misspelling as 'craftwoman' (missing the 's').
- Using the plural 'craftswomans' instead of 'craftswomen'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but it is often used in specific contexts where gender is relevant or in historical description. The gender-neutral 'craftsperson' or 'artisan' is increasingly common in modern usage.
The correct plural is 'craftswomen'.
Standard dictionaries list it only as a noun. Using it as a verb (e.g., 'to craftswoman') is non-standard and very rare, though creatively possible.
A craftswoman typically emphasizes skilled manual work, often in functional or decorative objects (pottery, furniture, textiles). An 'artist' may work in any medium and often prioritises conceptual or aesthetic expression over pure craftsmanship, though the lines frequently blur.
A woman who is skilled at making things by hand, especially in a traditional or artistic way.
Craftswoman is usually formal, descriptive, sometimes used in gender-specific contexts. in register.
Craftswoman: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkrɑːftsˌwʊm.ən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkræftsˌwʊm.ən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A craftswoman of the old school”
- “In the hands of a master craftswoman”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a woman with a 'craft' in her hands. 'Craft' + 's' + 'woman' = a woman skilled in a craft.
Conceptual Metaphor
SKILL IS A TOOL; CREATIVITY IS A CRAFT.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the BEST synonym for 'craftswoman' in a formal, gender-specific context?