virtuoso

[ vur-choo-oh-soh ]

noun

, plural vir·tu·o·sos, vir·tu·o·si [vur-choo-, oh, -see].

1. a person who has special knowledge or skill in a field.
2. a person who excels in musical technique or execution.
3. a person who has a cultivated appreciation of artistic excellence, as a connoisseur or collector of objects of art, antiques, etc.
4. Obsolete. a person who has special interest or knowledge in the arts and sciences; scientist; scholar.

adjective

1. Also vir·tu·os·ic [] of, relating to, or characteristic of a virtuoso:

   a virtuoso performance.

virtuoso

/ ˌvɜːtjʊˈɒsɪk; -səʊ; ˌvɜːtjʊˈəʊzəʊ /

noun

1. a consummate master of musical technique and artistry
2. a person who has a masterly or dazzling skill or technique in any field of activity
3. a connoisseur, dilettante, or collector of art objects
4. obsolete.
   a scholar or savant
5. modifier showing masterly skill or brilliance

   a virtuoso performance

Derived Forms

• virtuosic, adjective
• ˌvirtuˈosity, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of virtuoso¹

1610–20; < Italian: versed, skilled < Late Latin virtuosus virtuous

Word History and Origins

Origin of virtuoso¹

C17: from Italian: skilled, from Late Latin virtuōsus good, virtuous; see virtue

Example Sentences

In a few short years, Eddie Van Halen would become one of the most influential musical innovators of the 20th century, a fleet-fingered, melodically sophisticated virtuoso who changed the way guitarists approached their instrument.

From Los Angeles Times

Hitmaker and jam band guitar virtuoso John Mayer also performed a short set.

From Los Angeles Times

And by “ham,” I mean of course musical comedy virtuoso.

From Los Angeles Times

Audiences flocked to the Ethel Barrymore Theatre to see a comic virtuoso in full fight.

From Los Angeles Times

In top villainous ham mode, DeSantos struts and preens around the stage like a Las Vegas nightclub virtuoso eager to line up his next gig.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• magician
• musician
• prodigy