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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
Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 9 June 2025
Loca Loka co-founder Ravichander is one of India’s most renowned musicians, famed for his singing, writing, instrumental prowess and production both in films and on record.
—Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 3 June 2025
After charming the world as one of sports’ favorite couples, thanks to their prowess on the track, their unwavering support of each other, and their TikTok-worthy dance moves, Olympic gold medalist Noah Lyles and Jamaican Olympic bronze medalist Junelle Bromfield are getting married.
—Victoria Uwumarogie, Essence, 3 June 2025
Why was a country known for technological prowess, slick horror films, and dreamy boy bands descending into chaos?
—Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 2 June 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 16 Jun. 2025.
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prowess
noun
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