polymath

noun

poly·​math ˈpä-lē-ˌmath How to pronounce polymath (audio)
: a person of encyclopedic learning
polymath adjective
or polymathic

Examples of polymath in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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But Bowery was a brilliant polymath, whose work included performance, live art, dance, music, modeling, television and club promotion. Emily Labarge, New York Times, 2 Jan. 2025 Any student of art history could also point to the Renaissance’s polymaths, who mobilized artistic and scientific expertise in their pursuit of discovery. Michaëla De Lacaze Mohrmann, Artforum, 1 Jan. 2025 Few authors have failed to spot the irony in one of the 18th century’s most recognizable polymaths struggling with basic number skills. James Fox, Smithsonian Magazine, 19 Dec. 2024 Then there are the polymaths, restless and curious explorers who move between sectors and organizations. Ann Kirschner, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for polymath 

Word History

Etymology

Greek polymathēs very learned, from poly- + manthanein to learn — more at mathematical

First Known Use

1621, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of polymath was in 1621

Dictionary Entries Near polymath

Cite this Entry

“Polymath.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polymath. Accessed 19 Jan. 2025.

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