eminence

noun

em·​i·​nence ˈe-mə-nən(t)s How to pronounce eminence (audio)
1
: a position of prominence or superiority
2
: one that is eminent, prominent, or lofty: such as
a
: a person of high rank or attainments
often used as a title for a cardinal
b
: a natural elevation
c
: an anatomical protuberance (as on a bone)

Examples of eminence in a Sentence

the eminence of the Nobel Prize in the field of awards and prizes the old citadel sits on an eminence with a commanding view of the city
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But a lot of young executives also are casting weary glances at the aging eminences who’ve been occupying Hollywood’s C-suites seemingly forever. Mia Galuppo, The Hollywood Reporter, 30 Oct. 2024 Despite being unsure of his faith, the poor man has been saddled by the just-deceased pope with the responsibility of managing the conclave of red-robed eminences who’ll vote on a successor. Tom Gliatto, People.com, 24 Oct. 2024 By Charles McGrath Henry James is Alan Hollinghurst’s favorite writer, and in his native England, Hollinghurst, now 70, has over the years acquired a bit of Jamesian eminence himself. Charles McGrath, The Atlantic, 8 Oct. 2024 Created and written by indie film and TV eminence Mark Duplass and Biosphere director Mel Eslyn, who also directed and served as showrunner, Penelope is like nothing else on television. Judy Berman, TIME, 24 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for eminence 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, "exalted position, protuberance," borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French, borrowed from Latin eminentia "state of standing out or projecting, protuberance," noun derivative of ēminent-, ēminens "standing out above a surface, projecting, outstanding in merit or importance" — more at eminent

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of eminence was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near eminence

Cite this Entry

“Eminence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/eminence. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

eminence

noun
em·​i·​nence ˈem-ə-nən(t)s How to pronounce eminence (audio)
1
: the condition of being eminent
2
a
: a person of high rank or achievements
often used as a title for a cardinal
b
: an area of high ground : height

Medical Definition

eminence

noun
em·​i·​nence ˈem-ə-nən(t)s How to pronounce eminence (audio)
: a protuberance or projection on a bodily part and especially a bone

More from Merriam-Webster on eminence

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