eminence

noun

em·​i·​nence ˈe-mə-nən(t)s How to pronounce eminence (audio)
1
: a position of prominence or superiority
2
: one that is eminent, prominent, or lofty: such as
a
: a person of high rank or attainments
often used as a title for a cardinal
b
: a natural elevation
c
: an anatomical protuberance (as on a bone)

Examples of eminence in a Sentence

the eminence of the Nobel Prize in the field of awards and prizes the old citadel sits on an eminence with a commanding view of the city
Recent Examples on the Web By Charles McGrath Henry James is Alan Hollinghurst’s favorite writer, and in his native England, Hollinghurst, now 70, has over the years acquired a bit of Jamesian eminence himself. Charles McGrath, The Atlantic, 8 Oct. 2024 Created and written by indie film and TV eminence Mark Duplass and Biosphere director Mel Eslyn, who also directed and served as showrunner, Penelope is like nothing else on television. Judy Berman, TIME, 24 Sep. 2024 And there is the proof of Trump’s genius in choosing Vance: A man for whom no lie is to brazen, no attack too far, no dodge too demeaning — no step too far in his pursuit of eminence. Anita Chabria, Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 2024 For all of their eminence, the cardinals are no more immune to cattiness and ambition than anyone else. David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 31 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for eminence 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'eminence.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, "exalted position, protuberance," borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French, borrowed from Latin eminentia "state of standing out or projecting, protuberance," noun derivative of ēminent-, ēminens "standing out above a surface, projecting, outstanding in merit or importance" — more at eminent

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of eminence was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near eminence

Cite this Entry

“Eminence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/eminence. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

eminence

noun
em·​i·​nence ˈem-ə-nən(t)s How to pronounce eminence (audio)
1
: the condition of being eminent
2
a
: a person of high rank or achievements
often used as a title for a cardinal
b
: an area of high ground : height

Medical Definition

eminence

noun
em·​i·​nence ˈem-ə-nən(t)s How to pronounce eminence (audio)
: a protuberance or projection on a bodily part and especially a bone

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