Definition

1. Noun:
   • A craft that requires skillful hands: A manual activity or occupation involving the making of decorative or functional objects by hand, often using traditional techniques.
   • A work produced by hand labor: An individual object or product created through such skilled manual work.

Usage Examples

• As a craft or activity:
  • She learned the traditional handicraft of weaving from her grandmother.
  • The school offers classes in various handicrafts, such as pottery and embroidery.
• As a physical object:
  • The market was full of beautiful handicrafts made by local artisans.
  • He bought a small wooden handicraft as a souvenir from his trip.

Advanced Usage

• "To practice a handicraft": To regularly engage in making things by hand.
  • After retiring, she began to practice the handicraft of quilting.
• "Handicraft industry/sector": Refers to the economic activities and businesses centered around producing handmade goods.
  • The government supports the local handicraft industry to preserve cultural heritage.

Variants and Related Words

• Handicrafter / Handicraftsman / Handicraftswoman (n): A person who makes handicrafts; an artisan.
  • The handicrafter demonstrated how to shape the clay on the wheel.
• Handicrafting (n): The act or process of creating handicrafts.
  • She finds handicrafting to be a very relaxing hobby.

Synonyms

• Craftsmanship: Skill in a particular craft.
• Artisanal work: Work done by a skilled craftsperson.
• Handiwork: Work done or something made by hand, often by a specific person.

Related Phrases

• "Handicraft fair/market": An event where handmade goods are sold.
  • We found unique gifts at the annual Christmas handicraft fair.
• "Traditional handicraft": A craft passed down through generations within a culture.
  • The village is famous for its traditional handicraft of basket weaving.

Noun

1. a craft that requires skillful hands
2. a work produced by hand labor