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

The chairman of NBCUniversal’s Television Studios, NBC Entertainment & Peacock Scripted, Igbokwe spent more than 35 years helping shape the medium of television across prestige cable, broadcast, studios and now streaming. — Payton Turkeltaub, Variety, 24 Sep. 2026

Related Stories The format launches the prestige actors into a new era. — Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 24 Sep. 2026

In 2025, its debut in Ulta Beauty was the most successful prestige haircare launch in the retailer’s history. — Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 23 Sep. 2026

Fragrance was the fastest-growing prestige beauty category of 2024, with dollar sales up 12%. — Sebastian Dobrincu, Forbes.com, 22 Sep. 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