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

The flip may have come as a shock for many, but Red, White & Royal Blue fans saw it as a prophecy coming to life. — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 4 Nov. 2026

Progressives see centrists’ strategic competition frame as excessively hawkish and as a self-fulfilling prophecy. — Thomas Wright, Foreign Affairs, 3 Nov. 2026

Their bodies were found buried in rural Idaho on the property of Vallow Daybell’s new husband, Chad Daybell, an author of several religious novels about prophecies and the end of the world. — ABC News, 2 Nov. 2026

Thus goes the dark prophecy of Irish physicist John Desmond Bernal nearly a hundred years ago. — Literary Hub, 30 Oct. 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