What this suffix does
-maker names someone who makes or creates something specific: peacemaker, troublemaker, filmmaker, matchmaker.
ESEN
Suffix · forms nouns
-maker
Names the person who makes or creates a specific thing: peacemaker, troublemaker, filmmaker, matchmaker, policymaker, dealmaker.
In Spanish: hacedor de / creador deIntermediate
Written by Bryan López, English teacher · Updated
Very common in news and politics
"policymaker" is nearly essential in economics and politics writing: "senior policymakers", "according to policymakers".
How it is formed
Noun + maker.
- peace + makerpeacemaker
- trouble + makertroublemaker
- film + makerfilmmaker
This is not a productive rule you can apply freely: it is a closed set of fixed expressions. Learn them one by one as set phrases.
How it is pronounced
-maker/ˌmeɪkər/ · sounds like "maker"
Tap the button to hear how the ending sounds. Each word in the table has its own audio.
Examples
Base word
With -maker
In a phrase
- peacepeacemakerShe's always the peacemaker whenever her siblings argue.
- troubletroublemakerThe teacher moved the troublemaker to the front row.
- filmfilmmakerHe's an independent filmmaker based in Mexico City.
- matchmatchmakerHer aunt loves playing matchmaker for all her single friends.
- policypolicymakerPolicymakers are debating the new education law.
- dealdealmakerHe's known as the best dealmaker in the company.
- cabinetcabinetmakerThe cabinetmaker built the kitchen shelves by hand.
- clockclockmakerThe old clockmaker still repairs watches in his little shop.
Common mistakes
policy-maker (hyphenated)
policymaker (one word)
"Policymaker" is increasingly written as one word. Same applies to "filmmaker" and "matchmaker." When in doubt, check a current style guide — the trend is toward one word.
a trouble maker (two words)
a troublemaker (one word)
Established compounds with -maker are written as one word: troublemaker, peacemaker, filmmaker, dealmaker.
A trick to remember it
One of the most transparent suffixes there is: literally "the one who MAKES X". peaceMAKER, policyMAKER. You almost never need to think twice about it.
Practise what you learned
Exercise 1 · Form the word
Exercise 2 · Pick the right one
"The bill was opposed by policymakers who feared its economic impact." What are "policymakers"?
Exercise 3 · Form the word
Frequently asked questions
What does the suffix -maker mean in English?
The suffix -maker names the person who makes or creates a specific thing: peacemaker, troublemaker, filmmaker, matchmaker, policymaker, dealmaker. In Spanish it usually maps to hacedor de / creador de.
How do you pronounce -maker?
The ending -maker is pronounced /ˌmeɪkər/ · sounds like "maker". For example, "peacemaker".
Can you give an example of a word with -maker?
"peace" becomes "peacemaker". It is a typical example of the -maker suffix.
Other useful suffixes
-craft
Forms compounds naming a specialized skill, art, or type of vehicle: aircraft, spacecraft, witchcraft, stagecraft, statecraft, wordcraft.
-smith
Names a craftsperson skilled in working a specific material or medium: blacksmith, goldsmith, silversmith, wordsmith, locksmith, gunsmith.
-wright
From Old English "wryhta" (worker, maker): forms nouns for skilled craftsmen and makers. Playwright, wheelwright, shipwright, wainwright, millwright.
Learn every English suffix
-tion, -ness, -ful, -ly, -able... every ending you need to understand thousands of words at once.