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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
Max Berlinger, Vogue, 11 June 2026
Between his ability to consistently corral pitches in the dirt, smoothly field bunts and choppers near home plate and keep runners in check on the base paths, he's shown enough defensive prowess to rightfully be viewed as the team’s catcher of the future.
—Tyler Carmona
june 9, Miami Herald, 10 June 2026
Her long-term partner, Rich Paul, recently poked fun at his lady love's musical prowess while being interviewed on the Glass Half Full with Craig Melvin podcast.
—Rachel McRady, PEOPLE, 10 June 2026
L’Oréal Elvive Hyaluron Plump Hair Serum For instance, the formula features hyaluronic acid, a humectant known for its plumping prowess.
—Sophie Wirt, InStyle, 10 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for prowess
Cite this Entry
“Prowess.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prowess. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
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prowess
noun
