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

While growing up amid these divine gifts, the men said, they were taught a prophecy by their families: one day, a messenger would bring them a flag to signify that their village and Fiji were blessed by God. —Pete McKenzie, Harpers Magazine, 18 June 2025

Many of the leaders in this movement — like Pastor Guillermo Maldonado of King Jesus and White-Cain — are considered by the faithful to be modern-day Apostles or Prophets who can perform ‘healings’ or deliver prophecies during sermons. —Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 12 June 2025

Whether the character embodied the spirit of the country with startling accuracy or became a self-fulfilling prophecy is impossible to say. —Caity Weaver, The Atlantic, 5 June 2025

Pessimism can be a self-fulfilling prophecy, although in this case, given the current level of uncertainty, the dangers of trade war(s), and the likelihood that some significantly higher tariffs will survive, that seems superfluous. —The Editors, National Review, 1 May 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