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.
Think of Da Vinci and Franklin as notable polymaths (someone learned in multiple subjects). Lisa Deaderick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 June 2025 Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration Is The New Superpower During the original Renaissance, polymaths like Leonardo da Vinci thrived by blending art, engineering, anatomy and imagination. David Henkin, Forbes.com, 11 June 2025 In the past, polymaths became well versed in various disciplines and made important contributions to each. Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 4 June 2025 Now polymaths may be setting the course of artificial intelligence going forward, and AI may even set the stage for a burst of polymath activity. Joe McKendrick, Forbes, 20 Jan. 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 23 Jun. 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!