Artisanal Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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artisanal

[ˌɑːtɪˈzænəl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

food production

Relating to or denoting products made in a traditional or non-mechanized way.

Synonyms

handcrafted, handmade, traditional.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
artisanal

Used to describe products made in a traditional or non-mechanized way, often implying high quality and attention to detail.

  • She prefers buying artisanal cheese from the local market
  • The bakery is known for its artisanal bread
handcrafted

Used when emphasizing that an object is made by hand, often with skill and care. This term suggests uniqueness and high craftsmanship.

  • The jewelry was handcrafted by skilled artisans
  • These handcrafted wooden toys are popular among parents
handmade

Commonly used for items made by hand rather than by machine, highlighting the personal effort and lack of mass production.

  • I bought a beautiful handmade scarf at the market
  • This handmade pottery is more expensive than the factory-made ones
traditional

Used to describe methods or practices that have been passed down through generations. It implies cultural significance and a connection to history.

  • They follow traditional farming techniques
  • The festival celebrates traditional music and dance

Examples of usage

  • Artisanal cheese
  • Artisanal bread
  • Artisanal chocolate
Context #2 | Adjective

craftsmanship

Relating to or characteristic of an artisan; handmade.

Synonyms

artisan, handcrafted, handmade.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
artisanal

When talking about high-quality products made using traditional methods and skills, often in relation to food, drinks, and crafts. It emphasizes the expertise and tradition behind the product.

  • We sell artisanal cheeses from local farms.
  • This bakery is known for its artisanal bread.
artisan

When referring to a person who is skilled in a craft, especially one that involves making things by hand. It emphasizes the skill and expertise of the individual.

  • She is a talented artisan who makes beautiful pottery.
  • Artisans at the market sell various handmade goods.
handcrafted

When describing items made by hand with a focus on detail and quality. It can be used for a wide range of products, from furniture to jewelry.

  • They offer handcrafted wooden furniture.
  • Each piece of this jewelry is handcrafted.
handmade

When referring to items made by hand rather than by machine, typically suggesting uniqueness and quality. It is a more general term and can be applied to almost any kind of item made by hand.

  • She bought a handmade sweater at the craft fair.
  • This shop specializes in handmade leather goods.

Examples of usage

  • Artisanal pottery
  • Artisanal jewelry

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Culinary Arts

  • Artisanal bread is often crafted using traditional methods, incorporating natural ingredients like sourdough cultures, leading to unique flavors.
  • Cheeses labeled as artisanal are typically made in small batches, focusing on regional ingredients and traditional techniques.

Craftsmanship

  • Artisanal products can range from handmade pottery to custom furniture, showcasing the creator's personal touch and expertise.
  • The artisanal movement has gained popularity in the 21st century, promoting local crafts and sustainable practices in contrast to mass-market production.

Cultural Significance

  • This approach often reflects a connection to heritage and tradition, with artisans preserving historical techniques and recipes.
  • Artisan markets and fairs have become cultural hubs, allowing craftspeople to share their work and connect with the community.

Pop Culture

  • Artisanal goods have gained a trendy status, often featured in social media campaigns highlighting unique, personalized shopping experiences.
  • Shows about 'crafting' and 'DIY' have popularized artisanal concepts, inspiring many to create their own handmade items.

Origin of 'artisanal'

Main points about word origin

  • The term derives from the Latin word 'artisanalis', meaning 'of art', highlighting the skill involved in the creation.
  • In the 19th century, as mass production rose, 'artisanal' began to describe goods made by individual craftspeople to emphasize quality over quantity.

The term 'artisanal' originated from the French word 'artisan', which means a skilled craft worker. It gained popularity in the food industry to emphasize handcrafted, traditional methods of production. The focus on artisanal products has grown in response to mass production and the desire for high-quality, unique goods.


See also: art, artful, article, artifice, artificial, artillery, artisan, artisans, artist, artiste, artistic, artistry, artless, artwork, artworks.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,948, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.