interjection
presto
PRES-toh/ˈprestəʊ/
Used to announce a sudden or magical-looking result.
The magician whisks away the cloth, and presto, a rabbit appears!
Etymology
The image of “standing before” leads to “ready, at hand,” then “quickly.” In a conjurer’s cry, that immediacy suggests something appearing in an instant, as if by magic.
In context
he's a magician all he has to do is to wave The Wand Over father's head and Presto he gets the nomination
More examples
- The magician waves her wand, and presto, the coin disappears.
- Add a little water, stir, and presto—you have pancake batter.
- Fold down the back seat, and presto, there's room for the bike.
Similar words
- voilà
- Often presents a finished result rather than a sudden transformation.
- ta-da
- Emphasizes a playful reveal or achievement rather than apparent magic.