Magi

or ma·gi

[ mey-jahy, maj-ahy ]

plural noun

, singular Ma·gus [mey, -g, uh, s]

1. the Magi, in the Bible, the astrologers who paid homage to the young child Jesus, traditionally assumed to be three in number and to be named Balthazar, Caspar, and Melchior.
2. the class of Zoroastrian priests in ancient Media and Persia, reputed to possess supernatural powers.
3. magi, people who are believed to have expertise in interpreting the assumed influence of the stars, moon, and planets on human affairs; astrologers.

magi

/ ˈmeɪdʒaɪ; ˈmeɪdʒɪən /

plural noun

1. the Zoroastrian priests of the ancient Medes and Persians
2. the three magi
   the wise men from the East who came to do homage to the infant Jesus (Matthew 2:1–12) and traditionally called Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar

Magi

1. The sages who visited Jesus soon after his birth. ( See Wise Men .)

Derived Forms

• magian, adjective

Other Words From

• Ma·gi·an [mey, -jee-, uh, n], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of Magi¹

First recorded in 1175–1225; Magus

Example Sentences

“It’s an excessive cost to detain a limited number of migrants”, said Roberto Magi, an MP with the left-wing +Europa party.

From BBC

Somehow, he delivers an extraordinary painting, the Adoration of the Magi.

From Literature

In some traditions, it celebrates the baptism of Jesus and in others the visit of the Three Magi to the Baby Jesus.

From Seattle Times

The 6 January Christian feast day of Epiphany, when observers celebrate the visit to Jesus by the Magi - commonly known as the Three Kings, or Wise Men - is widely celebrated in Spain.

From BBC

I feel like “Christmas Eve” has a slight O. Henry, “Gift of the Magi” element to it — another literary reference that hopefully the kids who watch “Frog and Toad” will read someday.

From Salon