journeyman

noun

jour·ney·man ˈjər-nē-mən

: 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

: 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

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.

James Mangold isn’t afraid of being thought of as a journeyman director. —

Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 24 Dec. 2024 Grace, charmingly played by journeyman character actor Judy Greer, reminds her two children of the importance of Christian grace and care for those who are downtrodden. —

Stephen Humphries, The Christian Science Monitor, 2 Dec. 2024 Steelers receiver George Pickens terrorized the Commanders defense to the tune of a near 100-yard receiving day while journeyman Mike Williams got behind Washington’s secondary to catch a go-ahead touchdown of over 30-plus yards to secure the 28-27 victory. —

Kambui Bomani, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024 The story this week for the Colts was head coach Shane Steichen saying veteran journeyman Joe Flacco was taking over as the team’s starting quarterback, relieving No. 4 overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft, Anthony Richardson, of his duties as he’s struggled mightily this season. —

Scott Thompson, Fox News, 4 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for journeyman