virtuoso

American  

[vur-choo-oh-soh] / ˌvɜr tʃuˈoʊ soʊ /

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.

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adjective

1. Also virtuosic of, relating to, or characteristic of a virtuoso.

   a virtuoso performance.

virtuoso British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• virtuosic adjective
• virtuosity noun

Etymology

Origin of virtuoso

1610–20; < Italian: versed, skilled < Late Latin virtuosus virtuous

Example Sentences

After all, this virtuoso who has flirted with the boundaries of figure skating at every turn couldn’t possibly resist a trick this flashy.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 10, 2026

It’s a virtuoso achievement, an immersive experience for the reader.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 26, 2026

Verstappen's qualifying session was a virtuoso performance from the Dutchman.

From BBC • Dec. 6, 2025

“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.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 18, 2025

He was, in fact, a veritable virtuoso of exits.

From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis

Related Words

• magician
• musician
• prodigy