illusionist

noun

il·​lu·​sion·​ist i-ˈlü-zh(ə-)nist 

: 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

i-ˌlü-zhə-ˈni-stik 

adjective

illusionistically

i-ˌlü-zhə-ˈni-sti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Synonyms

• conjurer
• conjuror
• magician
• prestidigitator
• trickster

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

According to the Yale University Press, the famed illusionist and escape artist died of a ruptured appendix. —Emily Blackwood, People.com, 31 Oct. 2024

The following week, the illusionist became increasingly ill and developed a 102-degree fever. —Emily Blackwood, People.com, 31 Oct. 2024

After more than a decade, Halsey is still sharpening her craft as a great pop illusionist. —Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 14 Oct. 2024

Monster's Ball 8 p.m., Oct. 19: This annual celebration will feature DJs, circus performers, stilt walkers, high-wire aerialists, acrobats, illusionists and performers on multiple levels and stages. —Jalen Williams, Detroit Free Press, 12 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1850, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

illusionist

noun

il·​lu·​sion·​ist i-ˈlü-zhə-nist 

: a person who produces illusions

especially : a performer of sleight of hand or a magician