magician

[ muh-jish-uhn ]

noun

1. an entertainer who is skilled in producing illusion by sleight of hand, deceptive devices, etc.; conjurer.
2. a person who is skilled in magic; sorcerer.

   Synonyms: necromancer, wizard, enchanter

magician

/ məˈdʒɪʃən /

noun

1. another term for conjuror
2. a person who practises magic
3. a person who has extraordinary skill, influence, or qualities

Word History and Origins

Origin of magician¹

1350–1400; magic + -ian; replacing Middle English magicien < Middle French

Example Sentences

It has emerged over the years that staff members from “The Tonight Show” consulted with a magician, James Randi, who advised them on how to prepare the props to stymie him.

From New York Times

Under him, Ireland played with more cunning, deception and trick set-pieces than a street magician.

From BBC

In Zehme’s depiction, Carson’s public persona was a deception, a sleight of hand befitting a man who started as a magician and never lost his love for it.

From Los Angeles Times

We see their hands, like those of a magician doing close-up magic, but rarely more.

From Los Angeles Times

Born in Philadelphia in 1840, Donaldson was a gymnast, ventriloquist, a tightrope performer and – like the Wonderful Wizard himself – a magician.

From Salon

Related Words

• charmer
• genius
• virtuoso
• witch
• wizard