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
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.
Her memoir is a loving ode to the culture embodied by artisans working to preserve their traditional crafts. American Booksellers Association, USA Today, 10 May 2025 Local artisans supply the plates, napkins and glassware and the humble but vibrant interiors keep the mood light and playful—even though intense work is going on in the kitchen. Katie Kelly Bell, Forbes.com, 7 May 2025 And, a cherry on this sundae, a faux bois tea house designed by a Japanese artisan has been on the property since 1929. Tori Latham, Robb Report, 2 May 2025 That optical feast is prepared by many local and international artisans who come together to create each year’s Derby fashion. Hannah Vanbiber, New York Times, 1 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for artisan

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

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Cite this Entry

“Artisan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/artisan. Accessed 18 May. 2025.

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

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