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

• prediction
• predicting
• sign
• forecasting

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

Yesterday seemed much more like a team retreating by choice, both through in-game changes and by the sheer fear of surrendering another lead — a fear that became a self-fulfilling prophecy. —Steve Madeley, New York Times, 6 Oct. 2025

As natural disasters erupt, Virginia flees Detroit with her son Joshua, guided by visions that suggest her child is central to an ancient prophecy. —Okla Jones, Essence, 4 Oct. 2025

When and how this messianic revolution would come about was up for debate and speculation, but large segments of the population, based on specific prophecies in the Hebrew Bible, believed that the time was at hand. —Literary Hub, 30 Sep. 2025

In the world of Chad Powers, that prophecy sticks. —Jp Mangalindan, Time, 30 Sep. 2025

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