prowess

noun

prow·​ess ˈprau̇-əs 

also ˈprō-

1

: distinguished bravery

especially : military valor and skill

2

: extraordinary ability

his prowess on the football field

Did you know?

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.

Synonyms of prowess

• courage
• heroism
• bravery
• gallantry
• courageousness

Examples of prowess in a Sentence

He is known for his prowess on the football field.

their naval and military prowess

Recent Examples on the Web

While Bon Jovi usually commands the attention, the musical prowess of the rest of the band shouldn't be overlooked. — Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 8 July 2026

This economic prowess is fueled by decentralized innovation, attracting massive foreign investment, which climbed to $65 trillion. — Frank Holmes, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026

My audience would laugh one instant, and then with the alchemical dark arts of my verbal prowess, they’d be volta’d into grief and ennui with breakneck speed. — Literary Hub, 6 July 2026

Savoie’s defensive prowess Savoie played 64 minutes on the penalty kill last season. — Allan Mitchell, New York Times, 6 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English prouesse, from Anglo-French pruesse, prowesse, from prou

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

prowess

noun

prow·​ess ˈprau̇-əs 

1

: great bravery especially in battle

2

: very great ability

athletic prowess