plural prizes
1
: something that is won in a contest or given as an award
$500 was the prize for first place.
She won a prize for guessing correctly how many jelly beans there were in the jar.
He won first/second/third prize.
The grand prize [=the best prize] of the drawing went to his daughter.
2
: something that is very valuable or desirable and that is difficult to get
This picture would be the prize of any museum's collection.
always used before a noun
1
a
: given as an award or prize
prize money
b
: winning a prize
a prize [=(more commonly) prizewinning] essay
2
: very good or impressive : deserving an award or prize
Dad brought back his prize catch, a three-foot striped bass.
a prize student
3
British, informal
: real or complete
I felt a prize fool for making such a stupid mistake.
prizes; prized; prizing
: to value (someone or something) very highly
I know that you prize our friendship.
variants
or British prise
prizes; prized; prizing
somewhat formal
: to open or move (something) with a tool
I tried to prize [=(US) pry] the lid off the jar.
She prized the door open with the crowbar.
—often used figurativelyHe tried to prize the information out of me. [=he tried to force me to give him the information]
Cite this Entry
“Prize.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/prize. Accessed 17 Apr. 2026.
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