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.
Thybulle, a 6-foot-5 wing, is a maestro guarding off the ball. — Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026 Agua Magica was founded in 2021 by Rafael Shin and fifth-generation maestro mezcalero Rogelio Juan Hernández. — Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 22 Oct. 2026 In his first role following his military service, Song Kang (Sweet Home) stars as Kang Pi-o, the perfectionist grandson of a renowned maestro whose mother pushes him to be the very best. — Kayti Burt, Time, 6 Oct. 2026 These five rising, behind-the-scenes maestros have worked on major hits for such likely 2027 contenders as Noah Kahan, Ariana Grande and Rosalía — and could be first-time nominees in the category. — Andrew Unterberger, Billboard, 2 Oct. 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 27 Oct. 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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