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

By an almost impossible conceptual leap, the distant myth of the poem becomes a foreshadowing and a prophecy of events that were, from Virgil’s own historical vantage point, already in the past. —Literary Hub, 3 Sep. 2025

While there, Ruth discussed prophecies and the end of the world. —Saleen Martin, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2025

Every week brings a new unicorn, a new product, and a fresh set of CEO prophecies about how the technology will reshape work. —Preston Fore, Fortune, 14 Aug. 2025

Its response reads like a prophecy of the actual user reaction. —Roger Dooley, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 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