prompt

verb

ˈpräm(p)t 

prompted; prompting; prompts

transitive verb

1

: to move to action : incite

2

: to serve as the inciting cause of

evidence prompting an investigation

3

: to assist (someone who is acting or reciting) by suggesting or saying the next words of something forgotten or imperfectly learned : cue

4

computing

a

: to display a message that directs (a user) to do something (such as provide an input)

The app prompted me for a password.

b

: to provide instructions to an artificial intelligence system : to input a prompt

In a social studies class, students prompted chatbots to "act like President Kennedy" discussing his social policies and then critiqued the accuracy and tone of the texts the A.I. had produced.

—Natasha Singer

prompter noun

Synonyms of prompt

• cause
• create
• generate
• bring
• do
• produce
• work

Examples of prompt in a Sentence

Curiosity prompted her to ask a few questions.

Pride prompted his angry response.

The evidence prompted a criminal investigation.

“Did you hear me?” he prompted when his friend did not respond to his first question.

The actor had to be prompted by someone who was standing offstage.

The computer prompted me to type in a number.

Recent Examples on the Web

The revelation prompted a strong denial of the visit from the UAE. —Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 5 June 2026

With no imminent reopening of the Strait of Hormuz in sight, the situation has prompted many to reflect on the extent to which the world remains deeply reliant on fossil fuel trade routes. —Sam Meredith, CNBC, 5 June 2026

No foul was called on the play Brunson nearly rolled his ankle, which prompted the Knicks captain to shout at official Scott Foster. —Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 4 June 2026

Humming cooling systems, rumbling diesel generators and whirring fans can be heard continuously hundreds of feet around them, according to the Environmental and Energy Study Institute, prompting reports from residents of headaches, vertigo, nausea, sleep disturbances, ear pain and hypertension. —N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 4 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Medieval Latin promptare, from Latin promptus prompt

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Phrases Containing prompt

• prompt side

Rhymes for prompt

• stomped
• swamped

Kids Definition

prompt

1 of 3 verb

ˈpräm(p)t 

1

: to lead to do something

curiosity prompted her to ask the question

2

: to remind of something forgotten or poorly learned

prompt an actor

3

: to be the cause of : inspire

pride prompted the act

prompt

2 of 3 adjective

1

a

: being ready and quick to act

prompt to answer

b

: being on time : punctual

prompt in arriving

2

: done at once : given without delay

prompt assistance

promptly adverb

promptness noun

prompt

3 of 3 noun

: something that prompts : reminder