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Prowess is a word with a lot to be proud of. Not only has it performed gallantly for the English language since the 13th century, but it has stayed relatively stalwart in hewing to its original meaning, which is quite a flex. When prowess first joined the ranks of the lexicon, it could be used to refer to bravery, skill, and valor—especially those virtues as encountered in military contexts—or to individual acts of derring-do. The latter was usually used in the plural, as when people waxed rhapsodic about the “prowesses” of knights or some such. Today’s “extraordinary ability” meaning, which developed in the 17th century, tends to stick to the singular form, as when it’s used to describe those with intellectual prowess, or to someone known for their prowess as a fundraiser.
Examples of prowess in a Sentence
Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 6 Oct. 2025
But there’s more to the car’s night-sky-blue body than mere technical prowess.
—Stephen Treffinger, Robb Report, 5 Oct. 2025
The event presents an immersive opportunity to connect with executives, collectors and watch enthusiasts, exploring the unique technical prowess of mechanical watches.
—Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 3 Oct. 2025
Players can now showcase their athletic prowess on the field and then appear on cooking shows, dancetoks or fashion podcasts after the game.
—Andrew McGowan, Variety, 3 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for prowess
Cite this Entry
“Prowess.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prowess. Accessed 10 Oct. 2025.
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prowess
noun
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