What does magician mean?
A magician is a person who performs magic, especially stage illusions involving sleight of hand, conjuring, or deceptive presentation. In everyday use, the word often describes someone who achieves a striking result through unusual skill, insight, or cleverness: a developer might call another programmer a magician with the code, or a cook might praise a chef's effortless timing. The term also has a traditional or literary association with people believed to practice supernatural or occult arts. Its enduring appeal lies in the combination of mystery and skill: a magician appears to accomplish what seems impossible, whether for an audience or through an extraordinary solution to a practical problem.
A person who performs magic, especially illusionistic tricks or conjuring acts.
"The magician pulled colored handkerchiefs from an apparently empty hat."
This is the most common modern sense.
A person regarded as having exceptional skill or cleverness in a particular activity.
"With a few well-chosen adjustments, she was a magician at improving the team's workflow."
Figurative and generally approving.
A person who practices or is believed to practice magic or supernatural arts.
"The story depicts a magician whose spells conceal the kingdom's forgotten history."
This sense is mainly literary, historical, or folkloric.
Used when referring to more than one performer or practitioner of magic.
"The two magicians exchanged jokes backstage before the show."
From the ancient magi, who were believed to possess hidden wisdom, the word evolved into the modern magician: a performer of wonders, on stage or in everyday life.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does magician come from?
The word comes through Old French from Latin magicus, meaning “pertaining to magic,” ultimately from Greek magike, associated with magi, Persian or Iranian priestly figures associated with astrology and religious learning. The suffix -ian originally formed agent names, so a magician was initially someone skilled in magic or the occult. By the later Middle English period, the word had developed its familiar sense of a performer of conjuring tricks.
Related word forms
How magician is actually used
The figurative sense is usually complimentary and suggests extraordinary skill or resourcefulness. The word can also be used in older or literary contexts for a practitioner of occult magic.