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noun C2 Proficient

virtuoso

vur-choo-OH-soh

Virtuoso (noun) means someone with extraordinary skill, especially a musician of exceptional technical ability. Example: “The young pianist was already being called a virtuoso by age fourteen.”

noun
1
Someone with extraordinary skill, especially a musician of exceptional technical ability.
"The young pianist was already being called a virtuoso by age fourteen."
adj
1
Displaying the exceptional skill of a virtuoso.
"Critics praised her virtuoso performance of the concerto."

How to use virtuoso

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAn extremely skilled performer, especially in music, or describing a jaw-droppingly skillful performance.

Common pairings
a virtuoso performance a piano virtuoso

Word forms

more virtuoso comparative, virtuosos plural, virtuosi plural, most virtuoso superlative

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Etymology

Borrowed from Italian virtuoso, "virtuous, skilled," ultimately from Latin virtus, "excellence."

Origin: Latin

Related words

Rhymes for virtuoso

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Frequently asked questions

What does “virtuoso” mean?

The word “virtuoso” means someone with extraordinary skill, especially a musician of exceptional technical ability. In plain terms, an extremely skilled performer, especially in music, or describing a jaw-droppingly skillful performance.

How do you pronounce “virtuoso”?

“Virtuoso” is pronounced vur-choo-OH-soh (/ˌvɝ.t͡ʃuˈoʊ.soʊ/ in IPA).

How do you use “virtuoso” in a sentence?

Here is “virtuoso” used in a sentence: “The young pianist was already being called a virtuoso by age fourteen.”

What part of speech is “virtuoso”?

Depending on how it is used, “virtuoso” can be a noun and an adjective.

Where does the word “virtuoso” come from?

The word “virtuoso” comes from Latin. Borrowed from Italian virtuoso, "virtuous, skilled," ultimately from Latin virtus, "excellence.".

How many meanings does “virtuoso” have?

“Virtuoso” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: someone with extraordinary skill, especially a musician of exceptional technical ability.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial