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
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 May 2026
Our basket bags are woven in Rwanda by talented female artisans and finished in Italy by skilled leatherworkers — and so much of their beauty lies in the craftsmanship texture and detail.
—Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 20 May 2026
IndieWire partnered with Universal Studio Group for USG University, a series of panels celebrating the outstanding artistry and artisans behind the 2025–2026 television season across NBCUniversal’s portfolio of shows.
—Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 20 May 2026
This is a 3-day celebration of local arts and artisans.
—Marla Jo Fisher, Oc Register, 20 May 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Artisan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/artisan. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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artisan
noun
