prophecy

noun

proph·​e·​cy ˈprä-fə-sē 

variants or less commonly prophesy

plural prophecies also prophesies

1

: an inspired utterance of a prophet

2

: the function or vocation of a prophet

specifically : the inspired declaration of divine will and purpose

3

: a prediction of something to come

Synonyms of prophecy

• prediction
• forecasting
• predicting
• forecast

Examples of prophecy in a Sentence

The prophecies of the author have all come true.

She has the gift of prophecy.

Recent Examples on the Web

And Hubert Smielecki will play Apollo, the dazzling and charismatic god of the sun as well as music, poetry, archery, and prophecy. —Sydney Bucksbaum, Entertainment Weekly, 19 Feb. 2026

His famous chipper tone belies the intense prophecy. —Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 19 Feb. 2026

Family bonds, ancient prophecies, and the sacred line of succession will be tested in a dangerous campaign for power. —James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 18 Feb. 2026

From this work, Wiener drew two warnings that now read as prophecy. —Deb Roy, The Atlantic, 15 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English prophecie, prophesie, borrowed from Anglo-French, borrowed from Late Latin prophētīa, borrowed from Greek prophēteía "gift of interpreting the will of the gods, interpretation of a god's will," (New Testament) "gift of speaking, preaching and expounding scripture under the Holy Spirit's influence," from prophḗtēs prophet + -ia -ia entry 1

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for prophecy

• prophesy

Kids Definition

prophecy

noun

proph·​e·​cy ˈpräf-ə-sē 

plural prophecies

1

: the sayings of a prophet

2

: the foretelling of the future

the gift of prophecy

3

: something foretold : prediction