Word
handicraft
Phoneticshand·i·craft, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈhændiˌkɹæft/
UK/hˈændɪkɹˌɑːft/
Countable & uncountable
Definition
n. something useful or pretty that you make by hand, like a basket, pot, or carving. You use this word for both the object and the skill of making it.
n. skilled work done by hand to make useful or decorative objects, or an object made in this way.
Examples
“She sells handmade soap as a handicraft at the market.”
“The village shop sells local handicraft like woven baskets and carved wooden toys.”
“The museum preserves regional handicraft, showing how generations shaped clay, wood, and textiles into both tools and art.”
Examples
simple
“She sells handmade soap as a handicraft at the market.”
contextual
“The village shop sells local handicraft like woven baskets and carved wooden toys.”
complex
“The museum preserves regional handicraft, showing how generations shaped clay, wood, and textiles into both tools and art.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “handicraft” in context.
Verb
01. buy handicraft
“We bought handicraft directly from the artisans in the old town.”
verb + noun
02. create handicraft
“She creates handicraft using traditional weaving techniques.”
verb + noun
03. deal in handicraft
“Many small shops in the bazaar deal in handicraft and carpets.”
verb + prep + noun
Adjective
04. beautiful handicraft
“She brought home a beautiful handicraft made of painted clay.”
adj + noun
05. intricate handicraft
“The museum displays intricate handicraft carved from wood and ivory.”
adj + noun
06. local handicraft
“The coastal town is famous for its local handicraft, especially shell jewellery.”
adj + noun
Noun
07. handicraft fair
“Artisans from across the country meet at the annual handicraft fair.”
noun + noun
08. handicraft market
“We found carved masks and baskets at the handicraft market.”
noun + noun
09. handicraft shop
“There is a small handicraft shop next to the museum.”
noun + noun
10. a stall selling local handicrafts
“She runs a stall selling local handicrafts near the harbour.”
11. a traditional handicraft market
“We bought woven baskets at a traditional handicraft market in Marrakech.”
12. learn traditional handicraft skills
“Students learn traditional handicraft skills from local artisans.”
Usage
Often pluralized as handicrafts when referring to individual objects; singular mass use for the skill itself.
Etymology
For handcraft, influenced by handiwork; Old English handcræft. By surface analysis, handy + -craft.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/handicraft