prominence

noun

prom·​i·​nence ˈprä-mə-nən(t)s 

ˈpräm-nən(t)s

1

: something prominent : projection

a rocky prominence

2

: the quality, state, or fact of being prominent or conspicuous

3

: a mass of gas resembling a cloud that arises from the chromosphere of the sun

Synonyms of prominence

• hill
• mound
• eminence
• elevation
• mountain
• cliff

Examples of prominence in a Sentence

The company rose to prominence in the 1990s.

The publicity has given him a prominence he doesn't deserve.

Recent Examples on the Web

Nigeria’s prominence reflects a broader shift in the Anglican world toward Africa, where membership has grown rapidly since the late 20th century. —Refugio Mariscalall, Encyclopedia Britannica, 1 Apr. 2026

Games are much quieter now that the school has faded from national prominence, and Stewart-Lange often wonders if that will change. —ABC News, 1 Apr. 2026

That's definitely not an ideal situation for a coach who rose to prominence in the NCAA, and many feel that taking over at UNC could be the smart move to further his legacy as a coach. —Matthew Couden, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026

This accessibility enhanced the prominence of pickling as both a culinary art and a practical necessity. —Literary Hub, 31 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin prōminentia "state of projecting or jutting out," noun derivative of prōminent-, prōminens "projecting, standing out," from present participle of prōminēre "to project beyond a surface, stick out, stick up" — more at prominent

First Known Use

1533, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for prominence

• dominance
• predominance

Kids Definition

prominence

noun

prom·​i·​nence ˈpräm(-ə)-nən(t)s 

1

: the quality, state, or fact of being prominent : distinction

a person of prominence

2

: something (as a mountain) that is prominent

3

: a mass of gas resembling a cloud that arises from the chromosphere of the sun

Medical Definition

prominence

noun

prom·​i·​nence ˈpräm(-ə)-nən(t)s 

: an elevation or projection on an anatomical structure (as a bone)