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

This installment continues the franchise’s escalation of scale and intrigue, and a new team of young illusionists pulling digital-age tricks that reflect how magic has evolved alongside technology. —Okla Jones, Essence, 18 Nov. 2025

Lionsgate shelled out north of $90 million to revive the franchise, which is directed by Ruben Fleischer and sees Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Isla Fisher and Dave Franco return as a quartet of Robin Hood-like illusionists. —J. Kim Murphy, Variety, 15 Nov. 2025

The multimillionaire financier, who died in federal custody in 2019, was also a fabulist and serial illusionist. —Shirsho Dasgupta, Miami Herald, 15 Nov. 2025

Magician David Blaine The files include sparse but documented exchanges with illusionist David Blaine. —Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Nov. 2025

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