polymath

noun

poly·​math ˈpä-lē-ˌmath How to pronounce polymath (audio)
: a person of encyclopedic learning
polymath adjective
or polymathic

Examples of polymath in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In many ways, the life of a podcast polymath is way easier than that of a late-night host. Bethy Squires, Vulture, 15 Aug. 2025 Many entrepreneurs have embraced the idea of the American Dream, but few have fully embodied its spirit quite like polymath Pedro David Espinoza. Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 26 July 2025 Fresh off the heels of Anderson’s Dior debut during the men’s shows last week, the Irish polymath plans to reveal the new direction for his label at the Galerie Joseph in the Marais on Monday via a presentation. Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 7 July 2025 However, another famous polymath beat Kepler to the publisher a year earlier. Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 3 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for polymath

Word History

Etymology

Greek polymathēs very learned, from poly- + manthanein to learn — more at mathematical

First Known Use

1621, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of polymath was in 1621

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Polymath.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polymath. Accessed 25 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on polymath

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!