maestro

noun

mae·​stro ˈmī-(ˌ)strō How to pronounce maestro (audio)
plural maestros or maestri ˈmī-ˌstrē How to pronounce maestro (audio)
Synonyms of maestronext
: a master usually in an art
especially : an eminent composer, conductor, or teacher of music

Examples of maestro in a Sentence

a maestro of the violin
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Coach Curt Cignetti has been a maestro at navigating the portal and coaching up nonstars. Sports Columnist, Austin American Statesman, 8 Jan. 2026 In the interim, the plan was to make Marco Reus the team’s midfield maestro. Los Angeles Times, 6 Jan. 2026 Barnes’ relative deficiencies beg more for a half-court maestro than Johnson’s. Eric Koreen, New York Times, 6 Jan. 2026 Full Phil France’s maestro of the absurd Quentin Dupieux opened Cannes in 2024 with his film-within-a-film The Second Act. Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 1 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for maestro

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1607, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of maestro was in 1607

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Maestro.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/maestro. Accessed 15 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

maestro

noun
mae·​stro ˈmī-strō How to pronounce maestro (audio)
plural maestros or maestri -ˌstrē How to pronounce maestro (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on maestro

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!