1
: important and well-known
socially/politically prominent families
The new policy is opposed by prominent [=leading] members of the faculty.
He quickly became prominent in the music industry.
2
a
: easily noticed or seen
He placed the award in a prominent position on his desk.
the disease's prominent symptoms
b
: sticking out in a way that is easily seen or noticed
He has a prominent nose/chin.
prominent cheekbones
the most prominent peak in the mountain range
Cite this Entry
“Prominent.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/prominent. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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