prodigy
Americannoun
-
prodigies
plural
-
a person, especially a child or young person, having extraordinary talent or ability.
a musical prodigy.
-
a marvelous example (usually followed byof ).
-
something wonderful or marvelous; a wonder.
-
something abnormal or monstrous.
-
Archaic. something extraordinary regarded as of prophetic significance.
noun
-
a person, esp a child, of unusual or marvellous talents
-
anything that is a cause of wonder and amazement
-
something monstrous or abnormal
-
an archaic word for omen
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of prodigy
First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English prodige, from Latin prōdigium “prophetic sign”
Explanation
A prodigy is someone who is so naturally talented at something that they become a master of that particular skill as a child — you can be a musical prodigy or a math prodigy. Mozart was one, writing symphonies and playing for kings when he was only five years old. Prodigy is one of those wonderful words whose different meanings tell a story about how the meanings of words bloom over time. The word derives from the Latin prodigium, meaning "an omen or a sign of something to come." Prodigies are kids who often seem so talented that their success must presage even greater mastery, though, of course, the irony is that most prodigies peak in their youth.
Vocabulary lists containing prodigy
Hamilton
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Bud, Not Buddy
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Freak the Mighty
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
See Examples For:
But for that all that, the shy teenager said: "I don't think I am what people describe as a prodigy."
From Barron's ● Oct. 4, 2026
Livia may have been the awkward “country mouse” of her class, but she was a prodigy, and her fragile self-esteem relied on the superiority of her playing.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 28, 2026
A former child prodigy, Liu became the youngest US champion ever in 2019 at the age of 13.
From BBC ● Aug. 26, 2026
Great deadpan style and execution, comes across like a very seasoned prodigy even though he’s only three years in.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 26, 2026
As much as Bobby wanted to play Euwe, the renowned doctor was just as intrigued by the prospect of playing the prodigy.
From "Endgame" by Frank Brady
He is determined that his career should not fizzle out, which has happened with some other young prodigies in the past.
From BBC ● Sep. 4, 2026
Although many prodigies are single-minded about their craft, Miles excelled in two sports in high school.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 23, 2026
He imagined a long-term couple, two former child prodigies who had grown up and were now living unremarkable lives.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 15, 2026
Estevao scored a breathtaking solo Champions League goal to win the battle of the teenage prodigies against Lamine Yamal on Tuesday as Chelsea humbled 10-man Barcelona 3-0.
From Barron's ● Nov. 25, 2025
Katherine, a tiny blond with both her father's ponytail and his fascination with prodigies, sat watching him quietly.
From "An Abundance of Katherines" by John Green
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.
