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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
Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Javonni, who is originally from Queens, revealed a fleece bag inspired by a tennis ball in addition to T-shirts that speak to her artistic prowess.
—Essence, 8 Sep. 2025
This is a perfect role for Tatum, who most recently charmed in Dog and The Lost City, both proving his box office prowess.
—Pete Hammond, Deadline, 6 Sep. 2025
Tens of thousands of spectators in Beijing looked on as the People’s Republic unveiled laser weapons, nuclear ballistic missiles, and giant underwater drones alongside armored vehicles, tanks, and parading soldiers whose marching prowess put the rest of the world to shame.
—Kerry Brown, Time, 4 Sep. 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 Sep. 2025.
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prowess
noun
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