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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
Chris Schalkx, Travel + Leisure, 16 Mar. 2025
The outfit’s selling prowess is back on full display this week as a classic from Metallica’s celebrated discography returns to one Billboard chart.
—Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
Of course, this toy’s prowess doesn’t start and stop with its internal capabilities.
—Gabrielle Kassel, Glamour, 14 Mar. 2025
Bolstering its water resistance and technical prowess is a bold build.
—Cait Bazemore, Robb Report, 12 Mar. 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 24 Mar. 2025.
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prowess
noun
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