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

Geno Smith, who eventually became the starting QB in Seattle, also fit the mold of journeyman passer. —Mike Kaye april 1, Charlotte Observer, 1 Apr. 2026

Before stepping into city politics, Kaylor spent 38 years as a journeyman electrician. —Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 31 Mar. 2026

The journeyman then played two seasons in the Canadian Football League with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. —Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 31 Mar. 2026

Whether this is intentional or not, there are more journeymen, special teams contributors and camp bodies currently on Miami’s roster heading into next week’s start of the offseason training program than there are proven NFL starters. —Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 31 Mar. 2026

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

Rhymes for journeyman

• businessman
• canavan
• caravan
• constantan
• dragoman
• fisherman
• handyman
• harmattan
• marianne
• middleman
• minivan
• minuteman

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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