artisan

noun

ar·​ti·​san ˈär-tə-zən 

-sən,

 chiefly British  ˌä-tə-ˈzan

1

: a worker who practices a trade or handicraft : craftsperson

a skilled artisan

2

: a person or company that produces something (such as cheese or wine) in limited quantities often using traditional methods

—often used before another noun

artisan breads

artisanship

ˈär-tə-zən-ˌship 

-sən-

noun

Did you know?

Artisans aren't the same as artists, but it can sometimes be hard to tell the difference. In the Middle Ages, artisans organized themselves into guilds. In every city each group of artisans—weavers, carpenters, shoemakers, and so on—had its own guild, which set wages and prices, kept standards high, and protected its members from outside competitors. In America, however, most artisans have always been fiercely independent. Today, when factories produce almost all of our goods, artisans usually make only fine objects for those who can afford them. And we now even include food among the artisan's crafts, so you can buy artisanal cheeses, breads, and chocolates—but probably not if you're watching your budget.

Synonyms

• artificer
• crafter
• craftsman
• craftsperson
• handcraftsman
• handicrafter
• handicraftsman
• handworker
• tradesman

Examples of artisan in a Sentence

They sell rugs made by local artisans.

we visited a re-created 19th-century New England village that features an array of artisans—a cooper, a carpenter, a blacksmith, a potter, a glassblower

Recent Examples on the Web

The Ruan Hoffmann collection features two candles, a diffuser, two special plates, a trio of vide poche plates, a duo of medium bowls, mugs and a coupe bowl — each hand-sculpted by its master artisans. —Sofia Celeste, WWD, 16 Jan. 2025

Two years ago, Harris opened a nonprofit store, In the Black, which gives Black artisans and designers a brick-and-mortar location from which to sell their unique clothing, jewelry, homewares and beauty products. —Martha Ross, The Mercury News, 16 Jan. 2025

This year, an exhibition of quilts by contemporary artisans from the Women of Color Quilters Network, founded by Carolyn Mazloomi in 1985, addresses key moments in American history from the 18th century to the present day, including abolition, nonviolent direct action and environmental justice. —Roger Catlin, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 Jan. 2025

Vendors and local artisans will sell items of all types for cats and their humans. —Eric E. Harrison, arkansasonline.com, 15 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French, borrowed from an Upper Italian equivalent of Italian (Tuscan) artigiano, from arte "craft, art entry 1" (going back to Latin art-, ars) + -igiano, adjective suffix of appurtenance, from Vulgar Latin *-ēs- (going back to Latin -ensis, adjective suffix of place) + Latin -iānus -ian

Note: See note at parmesan.

First Known Use

circa 1538, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

artisan

noun

ar·​ti·​san ˈärt-ə-zən 

-sən

: a skilled worker

especially : one (as a carpenter) whose occupation requires skill with the hands