conjuror: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal/Literary
Quick answer
What does “conjuror” mean?
A performer who entertains with magic tricks and illusions.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A performer who entertains with magic tricks and illusions.
Someone who summons or invokes spirits or supernatural entities; figuratively, someone who makes things appear as if by magic.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
UK standard spelling is "conjuror"; US standard spelling is "conjurer". Both are correct in their respective regions.
Connotations
The word retains a slightly old-fashioned or literary feel, especially in its supernatural sense. "Magician" is more common for modern stage performers.
Frequency
Less frequent than "magician" in everyday speech in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “conjuror” in a Sentence
conjuror of [supernatural entity, e.g., spirits]conjuror from [place, e.g., London]conjuror who [clause, e.g., performs illusions]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “conjuror” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The old tales said he could conjure spirits from the deep.
- She managed to conjure a fantastic meal from almost nothing.
American English
- He could conjure an entire scenario in his mind.
- The speaker conjured images of a better future.
adverb
British English
- The rabbit appeared conjuror-like from the empty hat.
American English
- He worked conjurer-fast, his hands a blur.
adjective
British English
- The conjuror's skills were legendary.
- A conjuror's performance requires great dexterity.
American English
- The conjurer's tricks left the audience baffled.
- He had a conjurer's knack for persuasion.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Metaphorically used: "The CFO was a financial conjuror, making the numbers look better."
Academic
Used in historical/literary studies regarding occult practices.
Everyday
Primarily for children's entertainment or describing a skilful deception.
Technical
Not typically used in technical contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “conjuror”
Strong
Neutral
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “conjuror”
- Misspelling: 'conjurer' (UK) / 'conjuror' (US) - the opposite of the standard pattern.
- Confusing with 'connoisseur'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are the same word. 'Conjuror' is the standard British English spelling, while 'conjurer' is the standard American English spelling.
In modern usage for entertainment, yes. However, 'magician' is more common and broader. 'Conjuror' can also have an archaic sense of someone who summons spirits.
Yes, figuratively to describe someone who makes things appear or happen in a remarkably skilful or seemingly magical way (e.g., 'a conjuror of words').
It is more formal and slightly old-fashioned than 'magician' in everyday speech, but is perfectly standard in writing.
A performer who entertains with magic tricks and illusions.
Conjuror: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkʌn.dʒər.ər/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɑːn.dʒər.ər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “like a conjuror pulling a rabbit from a hat”
- “conjuror's trick (for something deceptively clever)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
A CONJUROR CONJURES tricks and spirits.
Conceptual Metaphor
CREATIVITY/ILLUSION IS MAGIC (e.g., 'He conjured up a solution').
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the PRIMARY modern meaning of 'conjuror'?