illusionist

noun

il·​lu·​sion·​ist i-ˈlü-zh(ə-)nist How to pronounce illusionist (audio)
: a person who produces illusory effects: such as
a
: a sleight-of-hand performer or a magician
b
: one (such as an artist) whose work is marked by illusionism
illusionistic adjective
illusionistically adverb

Examples of illusionist in a Sentence

tried to figure out how the illusionist made his assistant disappear from the stage
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Back in 2011, the illusionist Derren Brown released a four-part series for Channel 4 called The Experiments. Daisy Jones, Vogue, 8 Apr. 2025 As a refresher, the series focuses on the thieving illusionists known as the Four Horsemen (Eisenberg, Harrelson, Franco and Fisher). Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 1 Apr. 2025 This series — airing on National Geographic and streaming on Disney+ and Hulu — takes viewers on a global journey three years in the making, where the illusionist delves into diverse cultures and encounters individuals with remarkable, often seemingly impossible skills. Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 25 Mar. 2025 Attend a fundraiser with your dog, revisit an 80s comedy classic, be amazed by an illusionist, listen to a jazz-funk fusion band or interact with a 90s classic film. John Coffren, Baltimore Sun, 20 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for illusionist

Word History

First Known Use

1850, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of illusionist was in 1850

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Cite this Entry

“Illusionist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/illusionist. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

illusionist

noun
il·​lu·​sion·​ist i-ˈlü-zhə-nist How to pronounce illusionist (audio)
: a person who produces illusions
especially : a performer of sleight of hand or a magician

More from Merriam-Webster on illusionist

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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