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Prowess is a word with a lot to be proud of. Not only has it performed gallantly for the English language since the 13th century, but it has stayed relatively stalwart in hewing to its original meaning, which is quite a flex. When prowess first joined the ranks of the lexicon, it could be used to refer to bravery, skill, and valor—especially those virtues as encountered in military contexts—or to individual acts of derring-do. The latter was usually used in the plural, as when people waxed rhapsodic about the “prowesses” of knights or some such. Today’s “extraordinary ability” meaning, which developed in the 17th century, tends to stick to the singular form, as when it’s used to describe those with intellectual prowess, or to someone known for their prowess as a fundraiser.
Examples of prowess in a Sentence
Priya Oberoi, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
Even though Tigers — and everybody in the gym — knew Geneva was going to run things through Kirby, his prowess in the high post still caused fits.
—Paul Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 6 Mar. 2025
Cuomo enters the race with fundraising prowess, a record of accomplishments over his three terms as governor and potential support among many of the same moderate voters who helped propel Adams to office.
—Anthony Izaguirre, Hartford Courant, 1 Mar. 2025
Not due to the rookie's batting prowess, which remains mostly unquestioned, but due to his defense in left field.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 1 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for prowess
Cite this Entry
“Prowess.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prowess. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.
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prowess
noun
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