talent
Americannoun
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a special natural ability or aptitude.
a talent for drawing.
- Synonyms:
- genius, gift, capability
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a capacity for achievement or success; ability.
young men of talent.
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a talented person.
The cast includes many of the theater's major talents.
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a group of persons with special ability.
an exhibition of watercolors by the local talent.
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Movies and Television. professional actors collectively, especially star performers.
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a power of mind or body considered as given to a person for use and improvement: so called from the parable in Matthew 25:14–30.
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any of various ancient units of weight, as a unit of Palestine and Syria equal to 3000 shekels, or a unit of Greece equal to 6000 drachmas.
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any of various ancient Hebrew or Attic monetary units equal in value to that of a talent weight of gold, silver, or other metal.
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Obsolete. inclination or disposition.
noun
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innate ability, aptitude, or faculty, esp when unspecified; above average ability
a talent for cooking
a child with talent
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a person or persons possessing such ability
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any of various ancient units of weight and money
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informal members of the opposite sex collectively, esp those living in a particular place
the local talent
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an obsolete word for inclination
Usage
What does talent mean? Talent is an exceptional natural ability, especially in a particular activity, such as music.Talent is often thought of as the kind of ability that comes without training—something that you’re born with. It is often contrasted with skill, which is an ability acquired and developed through practice. It can also be used to refer to people who are talented (which is the adjective form of talent).Example: She was a prodigy whose musical talent was obvious from a young age—she started playing the piano at the age of 2.
Related Words
See ability.
Other Word Forms
- talented adjective
Etymology
Origin of talent
First recorded before 900; Middle English, Old English talente, from Latin talenta, plural of talentum, from Greek tálanton “balance, weight, monetary unit”
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.
The other evaluates applicants using a comprehensive review process — including special talents, how a student compares with peers in their high school, and geographic location — in addition to grades and coursework.
From Los Angeles Times
Raised in a working-class family in Sheffield, Hamed established himself as one of the brightest young talents in boxing after being introduced to the sport by his father aged seven.
From BBC
Some of those Sora-generated videos will be shown on Disney+, though the companies said the deal did not include talent likenesses or voices.
From Los Angeles Times
"Generations of British athletes have built their reputations on talent, dedication, and integrity. The Enhanced Games stands in direct opposition to those values."
From BBC
When Louise, angling for attention, participates in her church’s Inner Beauty pageant, her talent is holding her breath until she faints.
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.
