prodigy
Americannoun
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a person, especially a child or young person, having extraordinary talent or ability.
a musical prodigy.
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a marvelous example (usually followed byof ).
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something wonderful or marvelous; a wonder.
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something abnormal or monstrous.
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Archaic. something extraordinary regarded as of prophetic significance.
noun
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a person, esp a child, of unusual or marvellous talents
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anything that is a cause of wonder and amazement
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something monstrous or abnormal
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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
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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.
She was a Culinary Institute of America-trained chef with potential and a steady demeanor seeking mentorship and an opportunity to work with a prodigy.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 26, 2026
He was no childhood prodigy, no sure thing.
From BBC • Jun. 10, 2026
Throughout the playoffs, the 7-foot-4 prodigy from France had emerged as the NBA’s next great superstar.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 6, 2026
At the age of 6 he was a chess prodigy.
From MarketWatch • May 23, 2026
Soon, not yet aware that they were in the presence of a prodigy but realizing that Bobby was someone exceptional, the club’s players started gathering around his board and asking him questions.
From "Endgame" by Frank Brady
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.
