draftsman

noun

drafts·​man ˈdraf(t)-smən How to pronounce draftsman (audio)
ˈdräf(t)-
1
: a person who draws plans and sketches (as of machinery or structures)
2
: a person who draws legal documents or other writings
3
: an artist who excels in drawing
draftsmanly
ˈdraf(t)-smən-lē How to pronounce draftsman (audio)
ˈdräf(t)-
adjective
draftsmanship
ˈdraf(t)-smən-ˌship How to pronounce draftsman (audio)
ˈdräf(t)-
noun

Examples of draftsman in a Sentence

Her use of color is not outstanding, but she is a first-rate draftsman.
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.
Himan’s main career was as a structural steel draftsman. — Jim Woods, Chicago Tribune, 26 Feb. 2026 Archie Stark in the census records lists himself as a draftsman in 1930. — Stuart James, New York Times, 29 June 2026 The artist was an accomplished draftsman, and drawings accompanied nearly every step of his career. — Barbara Isenberg, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2026 Following his military service, Holden sought to become a draftsman. — City News Service, Daily News, 8 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for draftsman

Word History

First Known Use

1635, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of draftsman was in 1635

Rhymes for draftsman

See All Rhymes for draftsman

Browse Nearby Words

draft rod
draftsman
draftsmanship
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

draftsman

noun
drafts·​man ˈdraf(t)s-mən How to pronounce draftsman (audio)
ˈdrȧf(t)s-
: a person who draws plans (as for machinery)
draftsmanship
-ˌship How to pronounce draftsman (audio)
noun

Legal Definition

draftsman

noun
drafts·​man ˈdrafts-mən How to pronounce draftsman (audio)
: a person who prepares or composes legal or legislative documents
draftsmanship noun

More from Merriam-Webster on draftsman

Nglish: Translation of draftsman for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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