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 of illusionist

• magician

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

Even the most skeptical viewer may be susceptible to the distractions of a particularly charismatic or chatty illusionist, right? —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 1 Apr. 2026

Agents and casino staff alleged that Benward, who reportedly has described himself as a magician and illusionist, used a variety of techniques to mislead the workers, including multiple outfit changes and using different tellers to remain undetected. —William Morris, Des Moines Register, 11 Feb. 2026

The new look is part of his transformation for his role as the famous illusionist Siegfried Fischbacher in Apple TV+'s Wild Things. —Meg Walters, InStyle, 16 Jan. 2026

The famed illusionists, best known for their Las Vegas show at the Mirage Resort and Casino, first met while working on a cruise ship in 1957. —Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 16 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

illusion + -ist entry 1

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