The Maker Movement Revived an Old Word
A maker is one who makes something. The word was revived in the 2000s to describe a culture of hands-on building.
A maker is a person or company that makes something. The word gained a new life in the 2000s with the *maker movement*: a culture of hands-on building using electronics, 3D printing and shared workshops called *makerspaces*. It deliberately chose a plain Anglo-Saxon word over *engineer* or *manufacturer* to signal that anyone can take part. In older English, *Maker* with a capital M means God, as in *meet your Maker*.
- One who makes. *A furniture maker.*
- A manufacturer. *A car maker.*
- Maker movement — the hands-on culture. *The maker movement.*
- Makerspace — a shared workshop. *A local makerspace.*
- Meet your Maker — to die. *Met his Maker.*
Word forms
| Form | Word | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun | maker | A maker. |
| Plural | makers | Car makers. |
| Verb | make | Make it. |
| Compound | makerspace | A makerspace. |
| Old English | macian | To make. |
- The company is a leading maker of tools.Business.
- The local makerspace has a 3D printer.Movement.
- He went to meet his Maker.Archaic euphemism.
Maker compounds
- Peacemaker — one who reconciles
- Troublemaker — the opposite
- Matchmaker — one who arranges marriages
- Kingmaker — one who installs rulers without ruling
- Decision-maker — the modern business coinage
From *make*, Old English *macian*, from a Germanic root meaning to fit or fashion, related to *match*.
What is a makerspace?
A shared workshop where people can use tools such as 3D printers, laser cutters and electronics benches.
Why did the maker movement choose that word?
It is deliberately plain and inclusive, avoiding the professional connotations of engineer or manufacturer.