DictionaryAI

factotum

noun
Sayfak-TOH-tuhm/fækˈtoʊ.təm/UK/fækˈtəʊ.təm/

Pluralfactotums

2 meanings of factotum

Practice

  1. 1
    nouncountable
    Someone who does many different jobs and tasks for a person or a place.

    The small shop hired a factotum to answer the phone, pack boxes, and clean up.

    The movie star paid two factotums to book her flights, walk her dogs, and answer her mail.

    UsageThe plural is factotums.

    Similarhandyman, dogsbody, gofer

    Note

Less common meaning

  1. 2
    noun
    A big decorated printing block with a space in the middle for any letter, used to start chapters in old books.

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Origin

From a Latin phrase meaning "O Lord, do everything," which was shortened over time.

Checked 30 Oct 2026 · 2 facts