artisan
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.
Examples of artisan in a Sentence
Linda Zavoral, Mercury News, 11 Feb. 2026
Turquoise Mountain, which was founded by the King in Afghanistan in 2006, has supported artisans and communities to protect and revitalize cultural heritage for 20 years.
—Julia Teti, Footwear News, 11 Feb. 2026
Celia unites the very best artisans and designers, handpicked by Luhrmann and Martin, to conjure a world of storied theatre across a carriage that draws on the British landscape, theatre, and literary legends.
—Connor Sturges, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Feb. 2026
Kathy Marshall Design also partners with talented artisans and craftspeople to execute bespoke furnishings, millwork, and details.
—Elizabeth Stamp, Architectural Digest, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for artisan
Cite this Entry
“Artisan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/artisan. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
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artisan
noun
