prodigy

American  

[prod-i-jee] / ˈprɒd ɪ dʒi /

noun

• prodigies
  plural

1. a person, especially a child or young person, having extraordinary talent or ability.

   a musical prodigy.

2. a marvelous example (usually followed byof ).

3. something wonderful or marvelous; a wonder.

4. something abnormal or monstrous.

5. Archaic. something extraordinary regarded as of prophetic significance.

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prodigy British  

/ ˈprɒdɪdʒɪ /

noun

1. a person, esp a child, of unusual or marvellous talents

2. anything that is a cause of wonder and amazement

3. something monstrous or abnormal

4. an archaic word for omen

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• prodigies
  plural

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Etymology

Origin of prodigy

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English prodige, from Latin prōdigium “prophetic sign”

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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.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

prodigy prodigies

Ever since spotting him as an 11-year-old go-kart prodigy, Mercedes had developed the boy from Bologna until he could plug into the car like a living, breathing, custom part.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 23, 2026

The story, centering on the rise and fall of a Westish infield prodigy, is rich in love, camaraderie and allusions to Herman Melville.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 19, 2026

“Music Against the Night” is the story of two children, an orphan and a musical prodigy, both of whom are born at a time when European culture was the enemy of children.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 13, 2026

Zverev has done exactly that to record the greatest season of a career which had threatened to fall short of the lofty expectations placed on him since he emerged as a teenage prodigy.

From BBC ● Oct. 12, 2026

It was a unique moment in the life of a charismatic prodigy in that, to arrive where he was, he’d somehow overcome his objections to how he’d been treated by the Soviets over the years.

From "Endgame" by Frank Brady

The Chinese-born writer’s new book follows the convergent fates of two child prodigies in 18th century Europe.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 28, 2026

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

Its clashes—between young prodigies and seasoned grandmasters, diverging national loyalties and opposing personalities—have inspired fiction, films, a popular Netflix series and a current Broadway musical revival.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 3, 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

Of course, Bobby was obsessed with chess and spent hours playing and studying it, but perhaps not any more than musical prodigies practice their craft.

From "Endgame" by Frank Brady

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