an activity in which people make things skillfully by hand
At the weekend market, Maria sold her hand-stitched wallets, proud of her craft.
Woodworking is a craft that takes years to master.
✦ Old English cræft meant ‘strength or skill in a particular work’. Over centuries, the meaning narrowed to specialized manual skills.
to make or shape something carefully and skillfully by hand or with thought
The artisan crafted a tiny wooden bird complete with painted feathers.
Engineers craft detailed prototypes before full production.
skill gained through practice and experience, especially in an art or profession
It takes great craft to write a gripping mystery novel.
The actor refined his craft by performing in small theaters.
a vehicle such as a boat, plane, or spacecraft
The rescue craft sped across the lake toward the sinking boat.
Only one craft was allowed to dock at a time.
clever or deceitful skill used to achieve something
With quiet craft, the spy swapped the documents unnoticed.
Her political craft won her many allies.
a person who is highly skilled at making useful or decorative objects by hand, such as furniture, pottery, or jewelry
The craftsman carved a delicate pattern into the wooden bowl.
A local craftsman repaired the old clock, making it tick like new again.
✦ Old English cræft "skill, strength" + man "person"; originally referring to someone possessing specialized manual skill.
people who are skilled at making things by hand, such as pottery, woodwork, or jewelry
The weekend craft fair was bustling with craftspeople displaying their handmade candles and soaps.
Skilled craftspeople restored the castle's wooden doors to their former glory.
✦ Formed as the plural of craftsperson (a gender-neutral alternative to craftsman), combining craft “skill” with person/people.
a vehicle that can fly through the air, such as an airplane, helicopter, or drone
The cargo aircraft landed safely despite heavy rain.
Engineers presented a model of a new electric aircraft at the tech expo.
✦ early 20th century, formed from air + craft, modeled on seacraft
