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
Randy Tucker, The Enquirer, 11 July 2025
Once this has been done, the prodigy of Moroccan descent can then officially become a new Barca player by signing his contract.
—Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
Amari Avery is the older sister at 21, a golf prodigy from the age of 4 who went on to play at USC and is currently playing professionally, working her way up on the Epson developmental tour.
—Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 9 July 2025
Arsenal will also have to consider the integration of 15-year-old prodigy Max Dowman.
—James McNicholas, New York Times, 4 July 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 Jul. 2025.
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prodigy
noun
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