prodigy

noun

prod·​i·​gy ˈprä-də-jē 

plural prodigies

1

a

: a highly talented child or youth

b

: an extraordinary, marvelous, or unusual accomplishment, deed, or event

2

a

: something extraordinary or inexplicable

b

: a portentous event : omen

Did you know?

Is a prodigy a genius or a monster - or both? Nowadays, it's the talent that shines through, but back in the 15th century the word's meaning was more strongly influenced by that of its Latin ancestor, prodigium, meaning "omen" or "monster." Back then, a prodigy could be any strange or weird thing that might be an omen of things to come. Even in modern English, the word sometimes refers to an extraordinary deed or accomplishment. P.G. Wodehouse used that sense when he described how a character named Pongo Twistleton was "performing prodigies with the [billiard] cue."

Synonyms of prodigy

• miracle
• marvel
• wonder
• phenomenon

Examples of prodigy in a Sentence

a new drug that is being hailed as the latest prodigy of the medical world

Recent Examples on the Web

Chalamet will discuss his transformative portrayal of a prodigy table tennis champion in Marty Supreme, the physical and mental preparation behind the role, and the parallels between elite athletics and artistry. —Justin Kroll, Deadline, 24 Feb. 2026

The actor, who is up for Leading Actor tonight for his turn as the titular ping pong prodigy, arrived at London's Royal Festival Hall wearing a black suit paired with a black silk shirt. —Meg Walters, InStyle, 22 Feb. 2026

The Silver Bear for best screenplay went to Nina Roza from Quebecois director Geneviève Dulude-de Celles, the story of a Bulgarian immigrant who returns to his native land to search for an 8-year-old artistic prodigy. —Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 21 Feb. 2026

Lavoe provided the young Colón music lessons, encouraging the musical prodigy to be innovative with instrumentation and song structure. —Althea Legaspi, Rolling Stone, 21 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin prodigium omen, monster, from pro-, prod- + -igium (akin to aio I say) — more at adage

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2b

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Kids Definition

prodigy

noun

prod·​i·​gy ˈpräd-ə-jē 

plural prodigies

1

: an amazing event or action : wonder

2

: an unusually talented child