wunderkind

noun

wun·​der·​kind ˈvu̇n-dər-ˌkint How to pronounce wunderkind (audio)
plural wunderkinder ˈvu̇n-dər-ˌkin-dər How to pronounce wunderkind (audio)
: a child prodigy
also : one who succeeds in a competitive or highly difficult field or profession at an early age

Examples of wunderkind in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But in recent years, the city has invested heavily in its music scene, working closely with local artists and internationally successful wunderkinds like J. Balvin, Karol G, and Maluma. Cat Sposato, AFAR Media, 18 Mar. 2025 For the devastated people of the region, news of a local baseball wunderkind making it in Japan’s big leagues was a balm. Max Kim, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2024 The move carved out an empty space at Mercedes in the shape of 18-year-old Italian wunderkind Kimi Antonelli and left Spanish driver Carlos Sainz, one of the sport's current great drivers, without a future at Ferrari. Olivia Hicks, NPR, 15 Mar. 2025 And Crypto Price Sell-Off Netflix’s Best New Crime Show Grabs A Perfect 100% Critic Score NYT Mini Hints, Clues And Answers For Thursday, March 13 Ohio State wunderkind, Jeremiah Smith and LSU signal-caller Grant Nussmeier are featured prominently as well as Notre Dame star Jeremiyah Love. Brian Mazique, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for wunderkind

Word History

Etymology

German, from Wunder wonder + Kind child

First Known Use

1873, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of wunderkind was in 1873

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Cite this Entry

“Wunderkind.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wunderkind. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.

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