polymath

noun

poly·​math ˈpä-lē-ˌmath 

: a person of encyclopedic learning

polymath adjective

or polymathic

ˌpä-lē-ˈma-thik 

polymathy

pə-ˈli-mə-thē  ˈpä-lə-ˌma-thē 

noun

Examples of polymath in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Ben Franklin, the oldest founding father and polymath, stands across from George Washington, the first president of the United States. — Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA Today, 20 July 2026

By comparing shadows at two locations, the Greek polymath Eratosthenes becomes the first person to accurately calculate the circumference of the earth. — New York Times, 17 July 2026

One artist who inspired Kelela’s approach to world-building is her close friend Solange Knowles, a polymath whose work includes music, performance art, design, teaching and amplifying Black artistry through her Saint Heron platform. — Jack Irvin, PEOPLE, 13 July 2026

Jane Remover is a trans polymath producer and singer-songwriter with influences across rave, shoegaze, trap and beyond. — Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1624, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for polymath

• tablecloth
• broadcloth
• cheesecloth
• loincloth
• neckcloth
• oilcloth
• sackcloth
• washcloth
• zeroth
• broth
• cloth
• doth