virtuoso

[vur-choo-oh-soh]

noun

plural

virtuosos, virtuosi 

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 virtuosic 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

Other Word Forms

• virtuosic adjective
• virtuosity 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

“Partnering with the brilliant and virtuoso Village Directors Circle to renovate the Village Theater is an exciting milestone for the American Cinematheque,” AC Chair Rick Nicita said.

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"I am convinced that organists worldwide will be very grateful for this virtuoso, lively new repertoire and will perform it regularly in future."

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Last year he triumphed from 17th on the grid with a virtuoso drive in heavy rain as Norris, seeking to cut the Dutchman's lead, finished sixth.

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There was a woodwind virtuoso, Pedro Eustache, making wild and beautiful sounds in an isolated booth with his arsenal of flutes — and out on the stage there was a real, live theremin.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The cornet and trumpet virtuoso, who performed in Ornette Coleman’s band and taught jazz history at Pomona College and Pasadena City College for decades, chose the neighborhood partly because it was bustling with artists.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• magician 
• musician 
• prodigy