English Reference
Noun

virtuoso

n.
C1 Advanced US /vɝtʃuˈoʊsoʊ/ UK /vˌɜːtjuːˈəʊsəʊ/ vir·tu·oso UK spelling virtuoso's, virtuoso's

n.a person who is extremely skilled at a specific activity, especially music. You use this to describe someone who plays an instrument or performs with great talent and style.

n.a person who is exceptionally skilled in a particular field, especially music. Often used to describe a performer who demonstrates technical mastery and artistic flair.


SIMPLE

The young pianist is a virtuoso who plays difficult pieces with ease.

CONTEXTUAL

The orchestra welcomed a guest virtuoso to perform a challenging concerto during the final movement.

COMPLEX

While many musicians focus on technical precision, a true virtuoso balances that with a deep emotional connection to the music, making every performance feel spontaneous and alive.

Alexander Isak was the £125m striker who finally arrived at Liverpool by tormenting Ipswich Town - while Cody Gakpo's virtuoso performance had them giving thanks he never left.

BBC News· 4 Sept 2026

Over the past three years, Brazilian saxophonist and composer Gaia Wilmer has reimagined the catalogues of her country’s virtuosos so radically that it’s become a signature art.

The Guardian· 21 Aug 2026

Borrowed from Italian virtuoso, from Late Latin virtuōsus (“virtuous”), from Latin virtus (“excellence”). Doublet of virtuous.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Latin virtus
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Occasional
Updated