Definition

A skilled worker who has completed training in a particular trade and is qualified to work for others, typically on a daily basis.

Example

After years of training, he became a journeyman electrician, ready to take on various projects.

Conversation

I heard you got a new job as a journeyman carpenter, right?

Yeah, it's pretty exciting! I've learned a lot already.

That's awesome! Being a journeyman must come with some cool experiences.

Definitely! It's rewarding to see my skills improving every day.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Journeyman → The word is formed from "jour" (from Old French *jour*, meaning day) and "man" (meaning a person). A journeyman originally referred to a worker who was paid by the day, indicating their status as a skilled worker who has completed an apprenticeship but is not yet a master.

Memory Tip

Think of a worker who is paid by the 'day' ('jour') — that's why a journeyman is someone who works skillfully but is still on the path to mastery.

Visually Confused Words