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

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

Examples of maestro in a Sentence

a maestro of the violin

Recent Examples on the Web

Marchand, the maestro of the Panthers’ days-long Cup celebration, even nabbed a Dairy Queen endorsement. —Stephen Conroy, Hartford Courant, 30 June 2025

Tributes have been pouring in this past week for Brian Wilson, the Beach Boys co-founder and pop music maestro, following his death aged 82. —Caroline Frost, Deadline, 15 June 2025

Across conquering the charts, winning major awards, and delivering heartfelt charity donations, BTS’ dance maestro has continued to shine brightly in the global spotlight. —Jeff Benjamin, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025

But as much as King may be known as a maestro at horror—an inherently cinematic genre—his greatest talent is generating worlds that feel lived in. —Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 12 June 2025

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