prodigy
noun
Did you know?
Is a prodigy a genius or a monster - or both? Nowadays, it's the talent that shines through, but back in the 15th century the word's meaning was more strongly influenced by that of its Latin ancestor, prodigium, meaning "omen" or "monster." Back then, a prodigy could be any strange or weird thing that might be an omen of things to come. Even in modern English, the word sometimes refers to an extraordinary deed or accomplishment. P.G. Wodehouse used that sense when he described how a character named Pongo Twistleton was "performing prodigies with the [billiard] cue."
Examples of prodigy in a Sentence
David Phelan, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2025
At issue culturally is the behavior of Canada’s hockey prodigies and the conduct of Hockey Canada.
—Paula Newton, CNN Money, 24 July 2025
The Stillwater High coach grew up in Los Angeles with Todd Marinovich, who became the ultimate cautionary tale of what can happen when intense focus on athletic achievement overwhelms a young prodigy.
—Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 20 July 2025
Josiah Matthews — who will start college at just 15 years old — wasn’t always considered an academic prodigy.
—Abigail Pender, Charlotte Observer, 16 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for prodigy
Cite this Entry
“Prodigy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prodigy. Accessed 28 Aug. 2025.
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prodigy
noun
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