protégé

noun

pro·​té·​gé ˈprō-tə-ˌzhā 

ˌprō-tə-ˈzhā

: one who is protected or trained or whose career is furthered by a person of experience, prominence, or influence

Examples of protégé in a Sentence

He was a protégé of the great composer.

Recent Examples on the Web

The show stars Kyle Chandler as Hal Jordan, a veteran Green Lantern, and Aaron Pierre as John Stewart, Jordan’s protege who is learning the ropes. — Jordan Moreau, Variety, 24 July 2026

So in steps his protege, Chris O’Leary, who coached under him at Georgia State and Notre Dame before spending the 2024 season coaching Chargers safeties. — Los Angeles Times, 23 July 2026

Kevin Dobson played rookie detective Bobby Crocker, Kojak’s loyal protege. — Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 14 July 2026

Her youthful protege, 30-year-old Bardella, has been RN’s official leader since 2022 and is seen as having helped to distance the party from the toxic views of its founder and boost its appeal with younger voters. — Melissa Bell, CNN Money, 7 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

French, from past participle of protéger to protect, from Middle French, from Latin protegere

First Known Use

1786, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

protégé

noun

pro·​té·​gé ˈprōt-ə-ˌzhā 

: a person under the care or training of someone influential especially for the furthering of his or her career

Etymology

French, from protéger "to protect"