1 craft | Definition of craft

craft

noun
\ ˈkraft How to pronounce craft (audio) \

Definition of craft

 (Entry 1 of 2)

1 : skill in planning, making, or executing : dexterity "We have not the strength with which to fight this man; we must … win, if win we can, by craft."— Jack London
2a : an occupation or trade requiring manual dexterity or artistic skill the carpenter's craft the craft of writing plays crafts such as pottery, carpentry, and sewing He learned the craft as an apprentice.
b crafts plural : articles made by craftspeople a store selling crafts a crafts fair
3 : skill in deceiving to gain an end used craft and guile to close the deal
4 : the members of a trade or trade association

5 plural usually craft

a : a boat especially of small size
b : aircraft

craft

verb
crafted; crafting; crafts

Definition of craft (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

: to make or produce with care, skill, or ingenuity She is crafting a new sculpture. a carefully crafted story

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Other Words from craft

Verb

crafter \ ˈkraf-​tÉ™r How to pronounce crafter (audio) \ noun

Synonyms for craft

Synonyms: Noun

art, handcraft, handicraft, trade

Synonyms: Verb

cast, compose, draft, draw up, formulate, frame, prepare

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Choose the Right Synonym for craft

Noun

art, skill, cunning, artifice, craft mean the faculty of executing well what one has devised. art implies a personal, unanalyzable creative power. the art of choosing the right word skill stresses technical knowledge and proficiency. the skill of a glassblower cunning suggests ingenuity and subtlety in devising, inventing, or executing. a mystery plotted with great cunning artifice suggests technical skill especially in imitating things in nature. believed realism in film could be achieved only by artifice craft may imply expertness in workmanship. the craft of a master goldsmith

Examples of craft in a Sentence

Noun

the craft of cabinetmaking was much admired in colonial times borrowed a craft to get across the river

Verb

The furniture is crafted from bamboo. He is crafting a new sculpture. She crafted a strategy to boost the company's earnings.
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Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Find chocolate molds at craft stores such as Michael’s. San Diego Union-Tribune, "Gift for cooking experiments brings County Fair ribbons galore," 3 Sep. 2019 Some controversy in space, as the European Space Agency had to alter the course of one of its Earth observation satellites to avoid a possible collusion with a craft from SpaceX’s Starlink service. Adam Lashinsky, Fortune, "Why Harvard and Yale Students Can Skip This Computer Science Class—Data Sheet," 3 Sep. 2019 In addition to viewing the bridge there will be live entertainment, a craft and flea market, an antique tractor parade and antique engine, car and tractor show. Phil Marty, chicagotribune.com, "Dive into Native American culture in Indiana, enjoy some pampering with a Packers game and more Midwest events," 30 Aug. 2019 The victim was identified by the Toronto Sun as a 64-year-old American who was aboard a 13-person craft. Fox News, "One killed during Canadian boating accident; 'Shark Tank' star Kevin O'Leary a passenger on board," 29 Aug. 2019 Toddler Time is an interactive story time for ages two to three that features stories, finger plays, songs, games, and a simple craft or learning activity. courant.com, "Community News For The Windsor Locks Edition," 28 Aug. 2019 In 2014, Khan bought Kismet, a $200 million luxury craft that, at 312 feet, is longer than a football field. SI.com, "A History of Football in 100 Objects," 28 Aug. 2019 After entering the water on a floating craft of their choice, spring-goers can lazily float down the run at 1 mph under a canopy of trees and Spanish moss while gazing through crystal-clear water at bluegill, gar and minnows swimming below. Patrick Connolly, orlandosentinel.com, "Ichetucknee Springs provides visitors a 3-hour natural lazy river tube run," 13 Aug. 2019 Practice your Spanish with songs, stories and a craft – for ages 2-5 with a caregiver (siblings welcome) 7-7:30 p.m. Aug. 8. Carol Kovach, cleveland.com, "Westlake Demons Athletic Boosters kick off sports season with spirit rally: West Shore Chatter," 6 Aug. 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

More universities have been crafting policies to guide them when concerns about donors arise, said Henry Stoever, president and CEO of the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges. Washington Post, "MIT scandal highlights thorny ethics of university donations," 9 Sep. 2019 Jatkola also put in plenty of work by scouting Xaverian in-depth and crafting a savvy game plan. Nate Weitzer, BostonGlobe.com, "Barnstable put it all on the line during off-season work," 8 Sep. 2019 In her free time Florence enjoyed crafting and shopping. courant.com, "Florence Jurkovics," 8 Sep. 2019 Look for wildlife, listen to the wind and creek, water the Children’s Discovery Garden, read a story and craft something fun. oregonlive, "Homes and gardens events around Portland: Fall garden fairs, plant sales and more," 6 Sep. 2019 March is known for his creative, avant-garde style and crafted one-of-a-kind pieces for the likes of Madonna, Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, and Meryl Streep, including her 2010 Oscars dress. Colleen Kratofil, PEOPLE.com, "Project Runway Alum and Bravo Star Chris March, 56, Dies 2 Years After Suffering Debilitating Fall," 6 Sep. 2019 Woven around the words of the women, Button crafts a film that expresses their inner worlds cinematically. Katie Walsh, San Diego Union-Tribune, "Review: ‘Vita and Virginia’ a swooning and subversive portrait of a literary love affair," 5 Sep. 2019 According to the New York Times, Miller read court documents, transcripts of witness testimonies, and more that she wasn't allowed to hear during the trial to better understand her case and craft her book. Samantha Leach, Glamour, "Stanford Sexual Assault Case Survivor Emily Doe Comes Forward as Chanel Miller," 4 Sep. 2019 Nagy pulled from both categories in crafting his message to this year’s team, determined to find the perfect mix to continue the Bears’ ascent. Rich Campbell, chicagotribune.com, "Matt Nagy’s balancing act: How the Coach of the Year blended success, failure and an epic offseason itinerary into his message to the 2019 Bears," 2 Sep. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'craft.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of craft

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for craft

Noun and Verb

Middle English, strength, skill, from Old English cræft; akin to Old High German kraft strength

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More Definitions for craft

craft

noun

English Language Learners Definition of craft

 (Entry 1 of 2)