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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
Jake Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Aug. 2025
This commercial prowess is amplified by Sweden’s growing defense significance as a NATO member since 2024.
—Dennis Mitzner, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025
Taylor also caught 54 passes for 350 yards and two scores during the process, as Brosmer’s prowess in his lone season after transferring from New Hampshire also gave him a boost as a receiver.
—Dave Campbell, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2025
Everton’s direct style will require time to settle into, and his defensive workload will increase but, in attack, Dibling’s prowess in one-on-one situations should help him and the team.
—Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 27 Aug. 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 9 Sep. 2025.
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prowess
noun
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