prediction
Americannoun
-
an act of predicting.
-
an instance of this; prophecy.
- Synonyms:
- projection, divination, prognostication, augury, forecast
noun
-
the act of predicting
-
something predicted; a forecast, prophecy, etc
Usage
What does prediction mean? A prediction is a statement about what someone thinks will happen in the future.People make predictions all the time. Some are very serious and are based on scientific calculations, but many are just guesses.Example: Here’s a prediction: in 20 years, we’ll all drive less and eat a lot less meat.
Etymology
Origin of prediction
First recorded in 1555–65; from Latin praedictiōn-, stem of praedictiō “prophecy”; equivalent to predict + -ion
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Think of it as a stress test rather than a prediction.
From Science Daily • Apr. 5, 2026
As prediction markets like Kalshi and Polymarket offer more ways to bet on elections, war, the Oscars and more, their dangers are growing.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026
A host of firms have embraced sports through prediction markets, including crypto exchange Coinbase, which brought prediction markets to its app through a partnership with Kalshi in December.
From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026
Richard's prediction: City are going to win this in 90 minutes.
From BBC • Apr. 2, 2026
True to Leafie’s prediction, the Nefzgers arrived in the early afternoon.
From "Hattie Big Sky" by Kirby Larson
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
