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

When Yumeko, played by Martineau, a mysterious transfer student arrives, her gambling prowess puts her in the crosshairs of the powerful Student Council, while her secret quest for revenge threatens to upend the school’s status quo entirely. —Peter White, Deadline, 18 June 2026

His team qualified with an unprecedented defensive prowess for a European team. —Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 18 June 2026

But in mid-June, Turner was already a three-win player, combining his usual offensive prowess with an unexpected improvement with the glove. —Stephen J. Nesbitt, New York Times, 16 June 2026

Our brain’s fortune-telling prowess also helps us in social situations. —Dr. Deepika Chopra, Flow Space, 16 June 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