maestro

noun

mae·​stro ˈmī-(ˌ)strō 

plural maestros or maestri ˈmī-ˌstrē 

: a master usually in an art

especially : an eminent composer, conductor, or teacher of music

Synonyms of maestro

• expert
• master
• virtuoso
• scholar
• adept
• wizard
• guru
• artist

Examples of maestro in a Sentence

a maestro of the violin

Recent Examples on the Web

And look through these photos that show the maestro on the job and relaxing at home. —Domenica Bongiovanni, IndyStar, 18 Mar. 2026

This is Bearden’s second consecutive time serving as the Oscars’ music director, but the maestro is a longtime veteran of the show, having played the event as a musician multiple times. —Althea Legaspi, Rolling Stone, 15 Mar. 2026

Comedian, actor, musician, and vocal maestro Matt Berry will be this year’s announcer. —Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 11 Mar. 2026

In his fourth season as music director, the Slovak maestro has the Houston Symphony playing on an amazing level of sophistication and finesse — in a hall that hides nothing. —Scott Cantrell, Dallas Morning News, 3 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Italian, literally, master, from Latin magister — more at master

First Known Use

1607, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

maestro

noun

mae·​stro ˈmī-strō 

plural maestros or maestri -ˌstrē 

: a master of an art and especially of music

Etymology

from Italian maestro, literally "master," from Latin magister "master, one who holds a higher political office" — related to magistrate, master