tentmaker: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2formal, literary, historical, religious
Quick answer
What does “tentmaker” mean?
A person whose occupation is making or repairing tents.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person whose occupation is making or repairing tents.
A person who earns a living through a secular or auxiliary profession to support their primary, often unpaid, vocation, especially in religious or social work; a reference to the Apostle Paul, who worked making tents while preaching.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning. The metaphorical use is equally recognised in Christian contexts in both regions.
Connotations
The metaphorical use carries positive connotations of self-sufficiency, humility, and dedication to a higher calling.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both varieties. The literal sense is archaic; the metaphorical sense is niche, primarily used in theological, missiological, or certain NGO discussions.
Grammar
How to Use “tentmaker” in a Sentence
[Noun] worked as a tentmaker.The [noun] follows a tentmaker model.She is a tentmaker [prepositional phrase: in Nepal].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “tentmaker” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He tentmakes to fund his charitable work in the community.
American English
- She plans to tentmake while planting a church overseas.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in theological studies, missiology, and historical studies of ancient professions.
Everyday
Extremely rare; would likely require explanation.
Technical
A specific term in missiology for a strategy of missionary work.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “tentmaker”
- Using it to mean 'camper' or 'someone who pitches tents'.
- Assuming it is a common modern occupation.
- Confusing it with 'tailor' or 'cobbler'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the literal occupation is archaic. The term is now almost exclusively used in a metaphorical, religious context.
It originates from the New Testament description of the Apostle Paul, who made tents to fund his missionary travels.
It is theoretically possible (e.g., 'an artist tentmaking as a barista'), but the term is so strongly associated with its religious origin that it would be confusing without explicit clarification.
A tentmaker is a specific type of missionary or religious worker who is self-supported through secular employment, whereas a 'missionary' is a broader term that can include those funded by organisations or churches.
A person whose occupation is making or repairing tents.
Tentmaker is usually formal, literary, historical, religious in register.
Tentmaker: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtentˌmeɪkə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtɛntˌmeɪkər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to follow the tentmaker model”
- “a tentmaker approach to ministry”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the Apostle Paul: he made TENTS to MAKE his missionary work possible → TENTMAKER.
Conceptual Metaphor
A SECULAR JOB IS A FOUNDATION FOR A SACRED CALLING. / SELF-SUFFICIENCY IS A TOOL FOR A HIGHER PURPOSE.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary modern, metaphorical meaning of 'tentmaker'?