# craft

/ˈkɹæft/ (US) · /kɹˈɑːft/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/craft
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. manual skill

noun · CEFR B2

a skill or activity that involves making things with your hands, like pottery or woodwork.

For teachers: skill or dexterity in a particular manual occupation or artistic practice.

- She spent years perfecting her craft as a professional furniture maker.
- The exhibition showcases the traditional craft of glassblowing, highlighting techniques that have remained unchanged for centuries.

### 2. a vehicle

noun · CEFR B2

a boat, ship, aircraft, or spacecraft.

For teachers: a vehicle designed for navigation through water, air, or space; often used as a collective noun for multiple vessels.

- The small fishing craft struggled against the heavy waves near the coast.
- The naval base houses various landing craft and support vessels used for coastal defence operations.

Usage: The plural form can be 'craft' or 'crafts', but 'craft' is more common when referring to multiple vessels of the same type.

### 3. cunning

noun · CEFR C1 · Literary

the use of clever but often dishonest methods to get what you want.

For teachers: skill in deception or trickery; guile.

- He used all his craft to persuade the guards to let him pass.
- The politician was known for his political craft, often outmanoeuvring his rivals through subtle manipulation and strategic alliances.

### 4. to make carefully

verb · CEFR B2

to make something with great skill and attention to detail.

For teachers: to construct or develop something with meticulous care and professional skill.

- The author spent months crafting the perfect ending to her novel.
- Each piece of jewellery is carefully crafted by hand, ensuring that no two items are exactly alike.

## Examples

- The small craft sailed slowly into the harbor.
- The coast guard spotted several small craft struggling against the heavy waves during the storm.
- The harbor master is responsible for ensuring that all visiting craft, from modest fishing boats to luxury yachts, adhere to strict safety and docking protocols.

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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.