craft
n. · v.-
1 manual skill (n.) B2 Upper Intermediatea skill or activity that involves making things with your hands, like pottery or woodwork.
skill or dexterity in a particular manual occupation or artistic practice.
ExampleShe spent years perfecting her craft as a professional furniture maker.
ExampleThe exhibition showcases the traditional craft of glassblowing, highlighting techniques that have remained unchanged for centuries.
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2 a vehicle (n.) B2 Upper Intermediatea boat, ship, aircraft, or spacecraft.
a vehicle designed for navigation through water, air, or space; often used as a collective noun for multiple vessels.
ExampleThe small fishing craft struggled against the heavy waves near the coast.
ExampleThe naval base houses various landing craft and support vessels used for coastal defence operations.
UsageThe plural form can be 'craft' or 'crafts', but 'craft' is more common when referring to multiple vessels of the same type.
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3 cunning (n.) C1 Advanced Literarythe use of clever but often dishonest methods to get what you want.
skill in deception or trickery; guile.
ExampleHe used all his craft to persuade the guards to let him pass.
ExampleThe politician was known for his political craft, often outmanoeuvring his rivals through subtle manipulation and strategic alliances.
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4 to make carefully (v.) B2 Upper Intermediateto make something with great skill and attention to detail.
to construct or develop something with meticulous care and professional skill.
ExampleThe author spent months crafting the perfect ending to her novel.
ExampleEach piece of jewellery is carefully crafted by hand, ensuring that no two items are exactly alike.
- botch
- rush
From Middle English craft (“strength, skill”), from Old English cræft (“strength, skill”), from Proto-West Germanic kraftu, from Proto-Germanic kraftuz (“strength, power”); further origin obscure. Cognate with German Kraft (“strength, power, force, energy, employee”) and Danish kraft (“strength, power, force”).