carpentry

noun

car·​pen·​try ˈkär-pən-trē How to pronounce carpentry (audio)
1
: the art or trade of a carpenter
specifically : the art of shaping and assembling structural woodwork
2
: timberwork constructed by a carpenter
3
: the form or manner of putting together the parts (as of a literary or musical composition)

Examples of carpentry in a Sentence

He learned carpentry from his father. When the carpentry is finished, the cabinets will be installed.
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.
Others plan to enter skilled trades such as electrical work, carpentry and welding. — Melissa Candy, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 June 2026 In one of these buildings, a group of men — mainly Malawians and Zimbabweans — are hard at work in a carpentry and upholstery workshop. — Kate Bartlett, NPR, 25 June 2026 Custom millwork may not seem like the easiest route for those tied to a lease or lacking carpentry connections, so there are a few ready-to-ship options that can approximate the look. — Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 25 June 2026 Phil Adkins is the president at Adkins & Sons, specializing in windows, doors, siding, and carpentry. — Timothy Dale, The Spruce, 17 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for carpentry

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of carpentry was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

carpenterworm
carpentry
carper
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Carpentry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/carpentry. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

carpentry

noun
car·​pen·​try ˈkär-pən-trē How to pronounce carpentry (audio)
ˈkärp-ᵊm-trē
: the work or trade of a carpenter

More from Merriam-Webster on carpentry

Nglish: Translation of carpentry for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about carpentry

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