journeyman

noun

jour·​ney·​man ˈjər-nē-mən 

1

: a worker who has learned a trade and works for another person usually by the day compare apprentice entry 1 sense 1b, master entry 1 sense 1c

2

: an experienced reliable worker, athlete, or performer especially as distinguished from one who is brilliant or colorful

a good journeyman trumpeter

—New Yorker

a journeyman outfielder

Did you know?

The journey in journeyman refers to a sense of the familiar word not often used anymore: "a day's labor." This sense of journey was first used in the 14th century. When journeyman appeared the following century, it originally referred to a person who, having learned a handicraft or trade through an apprenticeship, worked for daily wages. In the 16th century, journeyman picked up a figurative (and mainly deprecatory) sense; namely, "one who drudges for another." These days, however, journeyman has little to do with drudgery, and lots to do with knowing a trade inside out.

Examples of journeyman in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Five Giants pitchers kept the vaunted Phillies’ lineup scoreless, with Spencer Howard — the journeyman pitcher called up to provide length in a bullpen game — delivering four scoreless innings. —Danny Emerman, The Mercury News, 28 May 2024

Our lead journeyman is taking his business test to hold our business master license in the next three weeks. —Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 28 May 2024

Instead, Roberts put his arms around Ramírez — a journeyman right-hander already on his third team this season — and spoke into his ear for several moments. —Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 26 May 2024

Constellation Home technicians — including HVAC journeymen, plumbers and other skilled tradesmen — service more than 1,000 homes across Maryland each day. —Kevin Klages, Baltimore Sun, 3 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from journey journey, a day's labor + man

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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Kids Definition

journeyman

noun

jour·​ney·​man ˈjər-nē-mən 

1

: a worker who has learned a trade and works for another person usually by the day

2

: an experienced reliable worker