tradesman

Everyday

1. A tradesman is a person with skilled practical work, such as a plumber, electrician or builder. tree →
2. (UK, old) A tradesman is also a shopkeeper or someone who delivers goods. tree →

In the lessons

In adult life, families call a tradesman to fix leaks or wiring. In old stories, the tradesman's entrance was a back door for deliveries. Today people also say «tradesperson» or «trades worker» to include women. Phrases: a skilled tradesman, the tradesman's entrance.

Examples

• We called a tradesman to fix the boiler. tree →
• My uncle is a tradesman; he is an electrician. tree →
• The tradesmen arrived early to build the wall. tree →
• In the old house there was a tradesman's entrance. tree →
• A good tradesman uses the right tools. tree →
• Many tradesmen learn their skills as apprentices. tree →
• Less than six years afterwards the baron passed out of his castle-gate a poor beggar, while the baronial seat had been bought by a rich tradesman. tree →

Note

Plural: tradesmen. Gender-neutral form: tradesperson, tradespeople. Australia and New Zealand often say «tradie» (informal).