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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
Erin Qualey, Vulture, 9 Mar. 2026
Tech crucial to China’s future Analysts believe technological prowess remains the far more important goal for Chinese leader Xi Jinping and his vision to build the nation into a major power that can contend with the United States on issues ranging from trade to Taiwan tensions.
—Ken Moritsugu, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2026
Jackson plays Cooper, the sibling of Liz and Cuoco’s character Kate, the eldest daughter who inherited her mother’s perfectionism, elegance, and organizational prowess.
—Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 9 Mar. 2026
But while these rocks have acted as a silent witness to generations of climbers who have chalked their fingers and attempted to move valiantly upward, the sport on the whole is at a unique inflection point, with women increasingly stepping in and showing their prowess on new routes.
—Lale Arikoglu, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for prowess
Cite this Entry
“Prowess.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prowess. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.
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prowess
noun
