Did you know?
Prowess is a word with a lot to be proud of. Not only has it performed gallantly for the English language since the 13th century, but it has stayed relatively stalwart in hewing to its original meaning, which is quite a flex. When prowess first joined the ranks of the lexicon, it could be used to refer to bravery, skill, and valor—especially those virtues as encountered in military contexts—or to individual acts of derring-do. The latter was usually used in the plural, as when people waxed rhapsodic about the “prowesses” of knights or some such. Today’s “extraordinary ability” meaning, which developed in the 17th century, tends to stick to the singular form, as when it’s used to describe those with intellectual prowess, or to someone known for their prowess as a fundraiser.
Examples of prowess in a Sentence
Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 27 Oct. 2025
Ferrari’s reputation for innovative design and technology prowess works hand-in-hand with a strategy of maintaining very tight supply to elevate the mystique the company enjoys.
—Phil Wahba, Fortune, 27 Oct. 2025
The Aggies flexed their defensive prowess in wins over Auburn, Mississippi State and Florida.
—Sam Khan Jr, New York Times, 26 Oct. 2025
The intricate, musical prowess and creative freedom within the Wood Brothers is apparent on their latest album, Puff of Smoke.
—Garret K. Woodward, Rolling Stone, 26 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for prowess
Cite this Entry
“Prowess.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prowess. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
prowess
noun
Share