prestige

noun

pres·​tige pre-ˈstēzh 

-ˈstēj

often attributive

1

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

2

: commanding position in people's minds

prestigeful

pre-ˈstēzh-fəl 

-ˈstēj-

adjective

Choose the Right Synonym for 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

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 on the Web

Much of Epstein’s cover letter for the role is devoted to growing FIU’s prestige and bringing in more donations to the school. — Austin Horn june 30, Miami Herald, 30 June 2026

According to Target, the new Beauty Studio will offer a shopping experience centered on prestige beauty, featuring more than 80 global and emerging brands, including more than 60 brands that are new to Target customers. — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 30 June 2026

Raphael landed roles on prestige projects like Veep and Curb Your Enthusiasm, in the blockbuster studio comedy Blockers, and Netflix’s landmark Grace and Frankie. — Seija Rankin, HollywoodReporter, 29 June 2026

With drugstore and dollar-store options now part of the conversation alongside prestige picks, the body serum category covers nearly every budget. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1829, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

prestige

noun

pres·​tige pre-ˈstēzh 

-ˈstēj

: importance in the eyes of other people

prestigious

-ˈstij-əs

adjective

prestigiously adverb

prestigiousness noun