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 maestro
: a master usually in an art
especially : an eminent composer, conductor, or teacher of music

Synonyms of maestro

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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.
In 2022, Disney+ backed the Korean TV series Connect that was directed by Japanese horror maestro Takashi Miike, though the show featured Korean talent and used the Korean language. — Abid Rahman, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2026 The accuracy of this narrative, which the maestro himself carefully crafted, is something some now question. — Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 31 Aug. 2026 But whereas some other chillers have flamed out, this one comes with a true maestro of the form in Felix Barrett of the British company Punchdrunk. — Chris Jones, New York Daily News, 26 Aug. 2026 An instant landmark, the building was designed by Chinese architect Ma Yansong of MAD, working in tandem with executive architect Michael Siegel of Stantec and landscape maestro Mia Lehrer of Studio-MLA. — Mayer Rus, Architectural Digest, 18 Aug. 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

maestral
maestro
maestro di cappella
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Cite this Entry

“Maestro.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/maestro. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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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

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