prediction

noun

pre·​dic·​tion pri-ˈdik-shən How to pronounce prediction (audio)
1
: an act of predicting
2
: something that is predicted : forecast

Examples of prediction in a Sentence

Journalists have begun making predictions about the winner of the coming election. Despite predictions that the store would fail, it has done very well. The figures and statistics are used for the prediction of future economic trends.
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
However, unlike polls, single individuals can sway prediction markets with big bets, as Axios' Brady Dale explained last month. Nathan Bomey, Axios, 5 Nov. 2024 Could part of president of baseball operations David Stearns' offseason strategy include signing Corbin Burnes to a big-money deal? MLB Trade Rumors released its yearly article ranking the top 50 MLB free agents, which also provides predictions on landing spots and contract terms from four writers. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024 As people try to make sense of the latest swings in prediction markets and dramatic shifts in the share price in former President Donald Trump’s social media company, there’s a far simpler predictor with a surprisingly strong track record. Matt Egan, CNN, 5 Nov. 2024 Equally noteworthy is the rising interest in the Web3 prediction platform Polymarket. Marie Poteriaieva, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for prediction 

Word History

First Known Use

1561, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of prediction was in 1561

Dictionary Entries Near prediction

Cite this Entry

“Prediction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prediction. Accessed 19 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

prediction

noun
pre·​dic·​tion pri-ˈdik-shən How to pronounce prediction (audio)
1
: an act of predicting
2
: something predicted : forecast
a prediction that there would be an earthquake
predictive
-ˈdik-tiv
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on prediction

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!