wizard

[wiz-erd]

noun

1. a person who practices magic; magician or sorcerer.

   Synonyms: diviner, thaumaturge, necromancer, enchanter

2. a conjurer or juggler.

3. Also whiz, wiz a person of amazing skill or accomplishment.

   a wizard at chemistry.

4. Computers.,  a software feature that guides users through complex procedures with step-by-step instructions, often presented in dialog boxes.

adjective

1. of or relating to a wizard.

2. magic.

3. British Slang.,  superb; excellent; wonderful.

   That's wizard!

wizard

/ ˈwɪzəd /

noun

1. a male witch or a man who practises or professes to practise magic or sorcery

2. a person who is outstandingly clever in some specified field; expert

3. obsolete,  a wise man

4. computing a computer program that guides a user through a complex task

adjective

1. informal,  superb; outstanding

2. of or relating to a wizard or wizardry

Other Word Forms

• wizardlike adjective
• wizardly adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of wizard¹

First recorded in 1400–50, late Middle English wisard; wise ¹, -ard

Word History and Origins

Origin of wizard¹

C15: variant of wissard, from _wise ¹ + _-ard

Example Sentences

"The question is not whether the accused are wizards or actually possess supernatural powers. It is whether they represented themselves as such, and the evidence clearly shows they did," Magistrate Mayambu said.

From BBC

Special effects are central both to “Oz’s” appeal and its plot: The big reveal is that technicians, not wizards, pull the levers that make an audience gasp.

From Los Angeles Times

The street, which links George IV bridge and the Grassmarket, is claimed as the inspiration for the alley where wizards bought their magical supplies.

From BBC

Or they just get hung up on the idea “does this guy really think that we think that he’s a wizard?”

From Los Angeles Times

Defensively, she was a wizard with her glove.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• genius 
• shark 
• whiz