journeyman
noun
New Yorker
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
Tim Casey, Forbes.com, 14 June 2026
In yet another effort to jump-start the offense, Tracy moved journeyman Mickey Gasper to the leadoff spot to capitalize on his hot stretch at the plate since he was called up May 7.
—Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 13 June 2026
Neither of the two catchers currently playing at Triple-A Oklahoma City – journeymen Eliezer Alfonzo and Chuckie Robinson – are on the Dodgers’ 40-man roster, meaning a promotion would come with an extra layer of moves to get either of them on the active roster.
—Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 9 June 2026
After releasing Seby Zavala last week, the Dodgers’ triple-A catchers are Eliezer Alfonzo and Chuckie Robinson, both journeymen with only Robinson having some major-league experience.
—Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for journeyman
Cite this Entry
“Journeyman.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/journeyman. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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journeyman
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