wizard

American  

[wiz-erd] / ˈwɪz ərd /

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.

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adjective

1. of or relating to a wizard.

2. magic.

3. British Slang.  superb; excellent; wonderful.

   That's wizard!

wizard British  

/ 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

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adjective

1. informal  superb; outstanding

2. of or relating to a wizard or wizardry

Other Word Forms

• wizardlike adjective
• wizardly adjective

Etymology

Origin of wizard

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

Example Sentences

He cultivated renown as a Wall Street wizard yet projected an air of uncaring.

From The Wall Street Journal

With the first film having grossed over $750 million worldwide, Universal is clearly betting that many, many fans will set off to see the wizard one more time.

From Barron's

Still, audio wizards at Skywalker Sound had to come in after the fact with software to digitally wipe any lingering hums.

From The Wall Street Journal

The guitar wizard died at home, surrounded by family, following a recent fall, a representative told AFP.

From Barron's

"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

Related Words

• genius
• shark
• whiz