workmanship

noun

work·​man·​ship ˈwərk-mən-ˌship How to pronounce workmanship (audio)
1
: something effected, made, or produced : work
2
: the art or skill of a workman
also : the quality imparted to a thing in the process of making
a vase of exquisite workmanship

Examples of workmanship in a Sentence

The problems were caused by cheap materials and poor workmanship. The excellent workmanship of the cabinets is remarkable.
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.
Next, commission an independent surveyor to examine the workmanship and see if the vessel has been made by craftspeople or clock-watchers. — Benjamin Maltby, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026 The workmanship seen here and throughout the home highlights the skill of the builder. — James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 19 July 2026 In addition to covering unknown preexisting conditions, Cinch backs its repairs with a 180-day workmanship guarantee. — Sharon Wu, USA Today, 17 July 2026 The Adidas Defender 5 bag comes with the brand’s lifetime warranty, which covers material and/or workmanship defects (normal wear and tear is to be expected and not covered). — Tim Chan, Footwear News, 9 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for workmanship

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of workmanship was in the 15th century

Rhymes for workmanship

See All Rhymes for workmanship

Browse Nearby Words

workmanly
workmanship
workmaster
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Workmanship.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/workmanship. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

workmanship

noun
work·​man·​ship ˈwərk-mən-ˌship How to pronounce workmanship (audio)
1
: the art or skill of a workman : craftsmanship
2
: the quality of a piece of work
the excellent workmanship of the desk

More from Merriam-Webster on workmanship

Nglish: Translation of workmanship for Spanish Speakers

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