handicraft

noun

hand·​i·​craft ˈhan-di-ˌkraft How to pronounce handicraft (audio)
-dē-
plural handicrafts
1
a
: manual labor or skill
… firing the … products of his handicraft in a diminutive bee-hive kiln …William Laurel Harris
b
: an occupation requiring skill with the hands
… the highly skilled artisans who specialize in handicrafts like embroidery, beading and appliqué …Elizabeth Paton
2
: the articles fashioned by those engaged in handicraft
usually used in plural
Woven baskets and other handicrafts were on display.
often used before another noun
handicraft products/shops
a handicraft exhibition
handicrafter noun
plural handicrafters

Examples of handicraft in a Sentence

Her favorite handicraft is sewing. volunteers demonstrating early American handicrafts, such as blacksmithing, glassblowing, and weaving
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The space is thoughtfully curated with local handicrafts like Thai kites and pottery, warm textures, and views over a private lagoon. Kissa Castaneda, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025 Her first creations, a diamond necklace and earrings in a fan motif, referenced her family’s roots in eastern Nigeria, where making fans, especially in raffia and leather, is a traditional handicraft. Victoria Gomelsky, New York Times, 20 May 2025 There, merchants sell fresh produce, handicrafts, tea, spices and more. Roxana Popescu, New York Times, 16 May 2025 My eyes adjust slowly, taking in vivid murals and shelves filled with colorful handicrafts. Iona Brannon, AFAR Media, 6 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for handicraft

Word History

Etymology

Middle English handi-crafte, alteration of handcraft

First Known Use

1523, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of handicraft was in 1523

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Handicraft.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/handicraft. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

handicraft

noun
hand·​i·​craft ˈhan-di-ˌkraft How to pronounce handicraft (audio)
1
: an occupation (as weaving or pottery making) requiring skill with the hands
2
: articles made by one working at a handicraft
handicrafter noun

More from Merriam-Webster on handicraft

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!