prestige

noun, often attributive pres·tige \ pre-ˈstēzh , -ˈstēj \

Definition of prestige

1 :standing or estimation in the eyes of people :weight or credit in general opinion

2 :commanding position in people's minds

—

prestigeful

play \-fəl\ adjective

See prestige defined for English-language learners

See prestige defined for kids

Examples of prestige in a Sentence

Her career as a diplomat has brought her enormous prestige.
The job has low pay and low prestige.
The family has wealth and social prestige.

Recent Examples of prestige from the Web

But prestige in the restaurant business has been derived by high prices for too long.

— pete wells, New York Times, "A Wish List for New Restaurants," 29 Aug. 2017
But none has the overall prestige or — more important, money — to lure prime talent away from here.

— geoff baker, The Seattle Times, "Sounders’ situation with Joevin Jones shows soccer is different animal than other sports in this country," 27 Aug. 2017
Indeed, expanding the global audience for the festival could serve to win it not only prestige but support from potential corporate and foundation sponsors.

— howard reich, chicagotribune.com, "Chicago Jazz Festival needs to connect to the rest of Chicago," 26 Aug. 2017
Engineering the Disco’s off-road capability and on-road prestige is a weighty proposition.

— mark maynard, sandiegouniontribune.com, "2017 Land Rover Discovery HSE Luxury: Shockproof British luxury," 25 Aug. 2017
The U.S. could also appeal to North Korea’s desire for international prestige by taking steps toward establishing a diplomatic presence in Pyongyang and normal relations between the two countries.

— uri friedman, The Atlantic, "Can Trump Make a Deal With North Korea?," 17 Aug. 2017
Somebody with magnificent land-surveying skills was involved in this building work for no other reason than sheer prestige and to signal command and ability.

— michael price, Science | AAAS, "Thousand-year-old Viking fortress reveals a technologically advanced society," 16 Aug. 2017
But then men started getting into the field, the prestige and pay rose, and women were pushed out.

— bryce covert, Cosmopolitan, "The Viral Google Memo Is About the Stereotypes That Hold Women Back," 9 Aug. 2017
For most teens, this sudden catapult into prestige and responsibility might prove daunting.

— aaron randle, kansascity, "Parkville’s Miss Teen USA: Her post-win feast, Amal Clooney and why she chose KU," 2 Aug. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'prestige.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of prestige

French, from Middle French, conjuror's trick, illusion, from Latin praestigiae, plural, conjuror's tricks, from praestringere to graze, blunt, constrict, from prae- + stringere to bind tight — more at strain

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1829

See Words from the same year

Synonym Discussion of prestige

influence, authority, prestige, weight, credit mean power exerted over the minds or behavior of others. influence may apply to a force exercised and received consciously or unconsciously.

- used her influence to get the bill passed

authority implies the power of winning devotion or allegiance or of compelling acceptance and belief.

- his opinions lacked authority

prestige implies the ascendancy given by conspicuous excellence or reputation for superiority.

- the prestige of the newspaper

weight implies measurable or decisive influence in determining acts or choices.

- their wishes obviously carried much weight

credit suggests influence that arises from the confidence of others.

- his credit with the press

PRESTIGE Defined for English Language Learners

prestige

noun

Definition of prestige for English Language Learners

: the respect and admiration that someone or something gets for being successful or important

PRESTIGE Defined for Kids

prestige

noun pres·tige \ pre-ˈstēzh \

Definition of prestige for Students

:importance or respect gained through success or excellence

Learn More about prestige

See words that rhyme with prestige Spanish Central: Translation of prestige Nglish: Translation of prestige for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of prestige for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about prestige

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prestige

Definition of prestige

prestigeful

Examples of prestige in a Sentence

Recent Examples of prestige from the Web

Origin and Etymology of prestige

Synonym Discussion of prestige

PRESTIGE Defined for English Language Learners

prestige

Definition of prestige for English Language Learners

PRESTIGE Defined for Kids

prestige

Definition of prestige for Students

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prestige

Definition of prestige

prestigeful

From the M-W Editors

Examples of prestige in a Sentence

Recent Examples of prestige from the Web

Origin and Etymology of prestige

Synonym Discussion of prestige

PRESTIGE Defined for English Language Learners

prestige

Definition of prestige for English Language Learners

PRESTIGE Defined for Kids

prestige

Definition of prestige for Students

Learn More about prestige

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