wizard

1 of 2

noun

wiz·​ard ˈwi-zərd How to pronounce wizard (audio)
Synonyms of wizardnext
1
: one skilled in magic : sorcerer
2
: a very clever or skillful person
computer wizards
3
archaic : a wise man : sage

wizard

2 of 2

adjective

1
chiefly British : worthy of the highest praise : excellent
2
archaic : having magical influence or power
3
archaic : of or relating to wizardry : enchanted

Examples of wizard in a Sentence

Noun He is a wizard at math. the old wizard who introduces the young naïf to a life of adventure is one of the most overworked tropes in fantasy literature Adjective a young Brit who's a wizard tennis player, although not ready for Wimbledon just yet
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.
Noun
The Gandalf Effect is when a leader embodies the kind of inspirational fire of an ancient wizard. Jonny Thomson, Big Think, 19 Jan. 2026 George Martin became the world’s most legendary producer with the Beatles, the studio wizard who teamed up with four lads from Liverpool to transform music. Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 15 Jan. 2026 Everything culminates in a climactic scene in the Shrieking Shack, where the truth about the two Animagi (wizards who can turn into animals) is revealed, plus Sirius Black (Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù) comes clean as a friend of Harry’s parents who can also turn into a black dog. Jordan Moreau, Variety, 13 Jan. 2026 Who were the ad wizards who came up with that one? Sean Gentille, New York Times, 3 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wizard

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English wysard, from wis, wys wise

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Adjective

1579, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of wizard was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Wizard.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wizard. Accessed 21 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

wizard

noun
wiz·​ard
ˈwiz-ərd
1
: a person skilled in magic : sorcerer, magician
2
: a very clever or skillful person
computer wizards
Etymology

Noun

Middle English wysard "wise man, a person skilled in magic," from wis, wys "wise," from Old English wis "wise"

More from Merriam-Webster on wizard

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