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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
Matt Barrows, New York Times, 14 Oct. 2025
An artist having a deeply real moment — or three minutes’ worth of moments — in a show otherwise characterized by an hour and a half of abject professionalism and fail-safe show-biz prowess?
—Chris Willman, Variety, 11 Oct. 2025
Dunst’s prowess pushes his own performance, while Peter Dinklage offers levity as the stern store manager Mitch.
—Katie Walsh, Twin Cities, 11 Oct. 2025
Kotzmacher also pointed out Walz's history as a high school football coach, and seeing the physical prowess of male high school athletes up close.
—Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 10 Oct. 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 18 Oct. 2025.
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prowess
noun
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