prodigy
noun
Did you know?
Is a prodigy a genius or a monster - or both? Nowadays, it's the talent that shines through, but back in the 15th century the word's meaning was more strongly influenced by that of its Latin ancestor, prodigium, meaning "omen" or "monster." Back then, a prodigy could be any strange or weird thing that might be an omen of things to come. Even in modern English, the word sometimes refers to an extraordinary deed or accomplishment. P.G. Wodehouse used that sense when he described how a character named Pongo Twistleton was "performing prodigies with the [billiard] cue."
Examples of prodigy in a Sentence
Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 8 Apr. 2025
His latest novel follows a cello prodigy who has to enter witness protection with his family after his father turns state’s evidence against a group of criminals.
—Michael Schaub, Oc Register, 2 Apr. 2025
Boca Raton musical-theater prodigy Ariana Grande initially intended to pour her heart into her starring role as Glinda in the movie adaptation of Wicked before returning to music.
—Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 28 Mar. 2025
The younger of the two, Macklin, was a prodigy, and needed to be pushed to help with his development.
—Curtis Pashelka, The Mercury News, 20 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for prodigy
Cite this Entry
“Prodigy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prodigy. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
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prodigy
noun
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