artisan

noun

ar·​ti·​san ˈär-tə-zən How to pronounce artisan (audio)
-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 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

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 That’s the conclusion of a new study which found that garment workers, artisans and tailors in Bangladesh who were provided with free reading glasses experienced a 33 percent increase in income compared to those who were not given glasses. Andrew Jacobs, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2024 The bathroom had a massive stand-alone tub and a rainfall shower with soaps made by local artisans that smelled woodsy and decadent. Taylor McIntyre, Travel + Leisure, 3 Apr. 2024 Guest experiences include weaving with local artisans; profits help fund local conservation efforts. Cnt Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Apr. 2024 Today, the establishment is part of Backwell’s Island Outpost hotel chain, and boasts 13 Georgian-style cottages adorned with plantation shutters, fretwork fanlights hand-crafted by local artisans, mahogany four-poster beds and French doors spilling out to private verandas. Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 26 Mar. 2024 The ever-resourceful Ashley visits local artisans to help with decor ideas. Olivia McCormack, Washington Post, 18 Mar. 2024 The 33rd annual event is expected to attract thousands of attendees and will feature more than 225 artisans and crafters, retailers and nationwide vendors, live entertainment on two stages, carnival rides and a fun zone along with a Rhythm, Brews & Wine Garden. Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Mar. 2024 The artist’s 22-card reinterpretation of the Major Arcana was designed in his Normandy studio and produced with the help of Parisian artisans who gilded the edges of each card with gold using techniques developed in the 18th and 19th centuries. Gisela Williams Marina O’Loughlin Roxanne Fequiere Camille Sojit Pejcha Gisela Williams, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2024 This symbolizes the enduring legacy of visionary minds and skilled artisans behind the cognac name, now in association with the luxurious touch of LaQuan Smith. Cassell Ferere, Forbes, 27 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'artisan.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of artisan was circa 1538

Dictionary Entries Near artisan

Cite this Entry

“Artisan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/artisan. Accessed 24 Apr. 2024.

Kids Definition

artisan

noun
ar·​ti·​san ˈärt-ə-zən How to pronounce artisan (audio)
-sən
: a skilled worker
especially : one (as a carpenter) whose occupation requires skill with the hands

More from Merriam-Webster on artisan

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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