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

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.

From Los Angeles Times

Before Russia's full-scale war in Ukraine, the virtuoso Gergiev was a regular visitor to stages in Italy and across Europe, despite his closeness to Putin.

From BBC

Fradiani had supplied that dopamine rush for more than two hours with his virtuoso musical portrayal.

From Los Angeles Times

The format brought new energy and understanding into their catalogs, all while the pair gassed each other up as virtuoso live performers.

From Los Angeles Times

“Seven Veils” allows its virtuoso lead character to process her traumas through art instead of being ruined by them.

From Salon

Related Words

• magician 
• musician 
• prodigy