craft
KRAHFT
Craft (noun) means Skill in making something by hand, especially using traditional or artistic techniques. Example: “The chair was built with real craft, every joint fitted by hand.”
noun
1
Skill in making something by hand, especially using traditional or artistic techniques.
"The chair was built with real craft, every joint fitted by hand."
"Pottery is a craft that takes years to master."
"You can see the craft in every stitch of this old quilt."
2
A trade or occupation requiring skilled manual work.
"Carpentry is a craft passed down from father to son in his family."
"Blacksmithing was once a respected craft in almost every town."
"She learned her craft as an apprentice to a master weaver."
3
A boat, ship, aircraft, or spacecraft (used for vessels generally).
"Several small craft were moored in the harbour."
"The spacecraft is the most advanced craft ever launched."
"The lifeboat crew checked that the craft was ready before launching."
4
Cleverness or cunning used to deceive or manipulate.
"The fox in the old fable won the crow's cheese by craft alone."
"With great craft, she steered the conversation away from the awkward question."
"He got what he wanted through craft rather than honesty."
verb
1
To make or produce something with skill and care.
"The speech was carefully crafted to appeal to undecided voters."
"She crafts handmade jewelry in her spare time."
"He crafts wooden toys for the children in his village."
How to use craft
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSkilled handmade work or a skilled trade; also used for boats/aircraft, and (older sense) for cunning.
Common pairings
arts and crafts
craft a message
skilled craft
small craft
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Word forms
- Plural
- crafts
- Third person singular
- crafts
- Past tense
- crafted
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The chair was built with real _____, every joint fitted by hand.
Etymology
From Old English cræft ("strength, skill"), from a Proto-Germanic root meaning power or strength — the sense narrowed over time from raw power to skilled ability.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for craft
See all rhymes for craft →Frequently asked questions
What does “craft” mean?
The word “craft” means skill in making something by hand, especially using traditional or artistic techniques. In plain terms, skilled handmade work or a skilled trade; also used for boats/aircraft, and (older sense) for cunning.
How do you pronounce “craft”?
“Craft” is pronounced KRAHFT (/ˈkɹæft/ in IPA).
How do you use “craft” in a sentence?
Here is “craft” used in a sentence: “The chair was built with real craft, every joint fitted by hand.”
What part of speech is “craft”?
Depending on how it is used, “craft” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “craft” come from?
The word “craft” comes from Old English. From Old English cræft ("strength, skill"), from a Proto-Germanic root meaning power or strength — the sense narrowed over time from raw power to skilled ability.
Is “craft” a common word?
“Craft” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “craft” have?
“Craft” has 5 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: skill in making something by hand, especially using traditional or artistic techniques.
What is the difference between "craft" and "art"?
Craft refers to skill in making something by hand, often using traditional techniques to produce functional objects, while art emphasizes creative or aesthetic expression. The two overlap heavily, and disciplines such as pottery, weaving, or woodworking are commonly described as both a craft and an art form.
When should you use "craft" instead of "trade"?
Use "craft" when you want to stress the skilled, often artistic, hands-on nature of the work, such as joinery or glassblowing. "Trade" is broader and covers any skilled occupation, including those with little emphasis on artistry.
What are common collocations with "craft"?
"Craft" appears in fixed phrases such as "arts and crafts," "craft skills," "craft beer," and "learn a craft." As a verb it also combines with objects, as in "craft a message" or "craft a strategy."
Is "craft" the same as "handicraft"?
They are closely related, but "handicraft" refers specifically to objects made skilfully by hand, while "craft" can mean the skill itself, the trade, or the activity. Every handicraft involves a craft, yet "craft" also covers occupations and techniques beyond handmade objects.
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