Main Entry: ¹prod·i·gal

Pronunciation: \ˈprä-di-gəl\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Latin prodigus, from prodigere to drive away, squander, from pro-, prod- forth + agere to drive — more at pro-, agent

Date: 15th century

1 : characterized by profuse or wasteful expenditure : lavish <a prodigal feast> <prodigal outlays for her clothes>
2 : recklessly spendthrift <the prodigal prince>
3 : yielding abundantly : luxuriant —often used with of <nature has been so prodigal of her bounty — H. T. Buckle>

synonyms see profuse

— prod·i·gal·i·ty \ˌprä-də-ˈga-lə-tē\ noun

— prod·i·gal·ly \ˈprä-di-g(ə-)lē\ adverb