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¹craft

noun \ˈkraft\

: an activity that involves making something in a skillful way by using your hands

: a job or activity that requires special skill

crafts : objects made by skillful use of the hands

Full Definition of CRAFT

: skill in planning, making, or executing : dexterity

a : 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>

b plural : articles made by craftspeople <a store selling crafts> <a crafts fair>

: skill in deceiving to gain an end <used craft and guile to close the deal>

: the members of a trade or trade association

plural usually craft

a : a boat especially of small size

b : aircraft

c : spacecraft

See craft defined for English-language learners

See craft defined for kids

Origin of CRAFT

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

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to CRAFT

Synonyms: art, handcraft, handicraft, trade

Antonyms: artlessness, forthrightness, good faith, guilelessness, ingenuousness, sincerity

Synonym Discussion of CRAFT

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>.

Other Handicraft Terms

biscuit, darn, tambour, wrought

Rhymes with CRAFT

aft, draft, graft, haft, kraft, raft, shaft, waft

²craft

verb

: to make or produce (something) with care or skill

Full Definition of CRAFT

transitive verb

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

— craft·er \ˈkraf-tər\ noun

See craft defined for English-language learners

First Known Use of CRAFT

15th century

Related to CRAFT

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

Other Handicraft Terms

biscuit, darn, tambour, wrought

CRAFT Defined for Kids

¹craft

noun \ˈkraft\

Definition of CRAFT for Kids

: skill in making things especially with the hands

: an occupation or trade requiring skill with the hands or as an artist <Carpentry is a craft.>

plural usually craft : a boat especially when of small size

plural usually craft : aircraft

: skill and cleverness often used to trick people <What he lacked in speed … was more than made up for by his craft … — Robert Lawson, Rabbit Hill>