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magician

n.
US //məˈdʒɪʃən// UK //mɐdʒˈɪʃən// ma·gi·cian
  1. 1 an entertainer (n.)
    A2 Elementary Theatre

    a person who performs clever tricks and illusions to entertain an audience.

    a professional entertainer who performs sleight of hand, illusions, or escapology.

    Example

    The magician pulled a white rabbit out of his hat, and the children cheered.

    Example

    The magician spent years perfecting the sleight of hand required to make the gold coin vanish in front of the skeptical audience.

    • illusionist
    • conjurer
  2. 2 a supernatural being (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Literary

    a person in stories or myths who has magical powers.

    a practitioner of supernatural arts or sorcery, typically found in mythology or fantasy literature.

    Example

    In the legend, a powerful magician helped the king win the battle.

    Example

    Ancient folklore often depicts the magician as a reclusive figure who guards forbidden knowledge and manipulates the elements through ritual.

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  1. 3 a talented person (n.)
    C1 Advanced Informal

    someone who is so skilled at something that their work seems like magic.

    a person who demonstrates exceptional skill or ingenuity in a specific field, such as science or craftsmanship.

    Example

    Our lead developer is a magician when it comes to fixing broken code.

    Example

    The financial magician managed to restructure the company's debt overnight, saving the firm from what seemed like certain bankruptcy.

Origin

From Middle English magicien, from Middle French magicien.

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