prowess

noun

prow·​ess ˈprau̇-əs How to pronounce prowess (audio)
 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.

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
And the company behind the bet was Google, which had acquired legacy phone maker Motorola Mobility and was leveraging its modern tech prowess and vast resources to make the Moto X smartphone a success. Verne Kopytoff, Fortune, 5 July 2025 Mexico enters the semifinal after a 2-0 win over Saudi Arabia, breaking a 166-minute goal drought and reasserting their attacking prowess. Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 July 2025 And if that wasn't enough, Austin solidified its culinary prowess in 2024, earning an impressive 7 of the 15 Michelin stars awarded in the entire state in the international guide's debut year in Texas. Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025 Additionally, a new brake-by-wire system is said to improve stopping prowess by nearly 10 percent. Jonny Lieberman, Robb Report, 1 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for prowess

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of prowess was in the 13th century

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Cite this Entry

“Prowess.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prowess. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

prowess

noun
prow·​ess ˈprau̇-əs How to pronounce prowess (audio)
1
: great bravery especially in battle
2
: very great ability
athletic prowess

More from Merriam-Webster on prowess

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