prophecy

noun

proph·​e·​cy ˈprä-fə-sē 

variants or less commonly prophesy

plural prophecies also prophesies

1

: an inspired utterance of a prophet

2

: the function or vocation of a prophet

specifically : the inspired declaration of divine will and purpose

3

: a prediction of something to come

Synonyms

• prediction
• predicting
• sign
• forecasting

Examples of prophecy in a Sentence

The prophecies of the author have all come true.

She has the gift of prophecy.

Recent Examples on the Web

When and how this messianic revolution would come about was up for debate and speculation, but large segments of the population, based on specific prophecies in the Hebrew Bible, believed that the time was at hand. —Literary Hub, 30 Sep. 2025

In the world of Chad Powers, that prophecy sticks. —Jp Mangalindan, Time, 30 Sep. 2025

Or that’s what play-by-play announcer Chris Fowler says on TV, and his pointed prophecy is proven out by the disastrous decisions Russ makes in the present. —Ben Travers, IndieWire, 29 Sep. 2025

The clips have been shared against the backdrop of a South African pastor's apocalyptic prophecy, predicting the Rapture on September 23 or 24 this year, garnering attention and following from all over the world. —Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English prophecie, prophesie, borrowed from Anglo-French, borrowed from Late Latin prophētīa, borrowed from Greek prophēteía "gift of interpreting the will of the gods, interpretation of a god's will," (New Testament) "gift of speaking, preaching and expounding scripture under the Holy Spirit's influence," from prophḗtēs prophet + -ia -ia entry 1

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for prophecy

• prophesy

Kids Definition

prophecy

noun

proph·​e·​cy ˈpräf-ə-sē 

plural prophecies

1

: the sayings of a prophet

2

: the foretelling of the future

the gift of prophecy

3

: something foretold : prediction