illusionist

[ih-loo-zhuh-nist]

noun

1. a conjurer or magician who creates illusions, as by sleight of hand.

2. an adherent of illusionism.

illusionist

/ ɪˈluːʒənɪst /

noun

1. a person given to illusions; visionary; dreamer

2. philosophy a person who believes in illusionism

3. an artist who practises illusionism

4. a conjuror; magician

Other Word Forms

• illusionistic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of illusionist¹

First recorded in 1835–45; illusion + -ist

Example Sentences

The third installment of the illusionist franchise has now brought in a cumulative $36.8 million in the U.S. and Canada and a total of $109.4 million globally across its two weekends.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

At the same time, if history has taught audiences anything, they’ve learned they have to be careful about putting faith in these illusionists.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

A robe worn by the late comedy legend Tommy Cooper in his ill-fated final performance has been snapped up by famed American illusionist David Copperfield.

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Harrison: Quite often, we’ll be described as illusionists, which are performers in the same way a pianist plays the piano.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Fraser - who had become a fan of well-known hypnotist and illusionist Derren Brown - said his only wish was to be a hypnotist.

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Related Words

• charmer 
• genius 
• virtuoso 
• witch 
• wizard