prompts; prompted; prompting
1
a
: to cause (someone) to do something
Curiosity prompted her to ask a few questions.
b
: to be the cause of (something)
Pride prompted his angry response.
The evidence prompted a criminal investigation.
2
a
: to say (something that encourages a person to talk)
"Did you hear me?" he prompted when his friend did not respond to his first question.
b
: to say the lines of a play to (an actor who has forgotten them) : to give a prompt to (an actor)
The actor had to be prompted by someone who was standing offstage.
3
computers
: to show a message that tells (a user) to do something
The computer/program prompted me to type in a number.
prompter; promptest
1
: done or given without delay
The victims need prompt [=immediate] medical assistance.
We always get prompt service at that restaurant.
He was offered prompt access to the data he needed.
2
: arriving or doing something at the expected time or without delay
They were very prompt about responding to my request.
Please try to be prompt [=punctual] about keeping appointments.
plural prompts
1
: the lines of a play that are said to an actor who has forgotten them
The actor was given a prompt by someone offstage.
2
computers
: a message that appears on a computer screen asking the user to do something or to provide information
a computer prompt
British
: exactly at the time stated
The meeting will begin at 9 a.m. prompt. [=(US) sharp]
Cite this Entry
“Prompt.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/prompt. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.
Copy Citation
