# artisan

/ˈɑɹtəzən/ (US) · /ˈɑːtɪsən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/artisan
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. a skilled craftsperson

noun · CEFR B2

a worker who has a special skill at making things with their hands, like furniture or jewellery.

For teachers: a manual worker who possesses a high degree of skill in a specific craft, typically involving the use of traditional tools.

- The local artisan spent three months carving the wooden dining table by hand.
- The village is famous for its community of artisans who have preserved traditional weaving techniques for over four centuries.

### 2. made in a traditional way

adjective · CEFR B2

made in small amounts using traditional methods and high-quality ingredients.

For teachers: produced in limited quantities using traditional, non-mechanized methods; often used to market high-end food or craft products.

- We bought some artisan bread and handmade cheese at the farmers' market.
- The bakery specializes in artisan sourdough, utilizing long fermentation periods and stone-ground flour to achieve a superior texture and flavour.

## Examples

- The local artisan makes beautiful wooden chairs.
- The market is famous for its local artisans who sell handmade pottery and woven rugs every Saturday morning.
- In an era of mass production, the village has managed to preserve its heritage by supporting artisans who continue to practice ancient glassblowing techniques.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.