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Prowess is a word with a lot to be proud of. Not only has it performed gallantly for the English language since the 13th century, but it has stayed relatively stalwart in hewing to its original meaning, which is quite a flex. When prowess first joined the ranks of the lexicon, it could be used to refer to bravery, skill, and valor—especially those virtues as encountered in military contexts—or to individual acts of derring-do. The latter was usually used in the plural, as when people waxed rhapsodic about the “prowesses” of knights or some such. Today’s “extraordinary ability” meaning, which developed in the 17th century, tends to stick to the singular form, as when it’s used to describe those with intellectual prowess, or to someone known for their prowess as a fundraiser.
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Examples of prowess in a Sentence
Quanta Magazine, 18 Nov. 2024
What Klay Thompson’s return to the Bay really meant to him, the Warriors
With all of the signature early wins, Steph Curry clutch moments, impressive depth and revamped defense, Golden State’s rebounding prowess has flown under the radar.
—Danny Emerman, The Mercury News, 15 Nov. 2024
The Red Sox, on the other hand, have little starting pitching prowess to begin with, and have now fallen short of the postseason in five of the last six seasons.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 7 Nov. 2024
The cosmetics company has been on a tear over the past couple of years thanks to its viral marketing and its prowess in winning over young shoppers with its value versions of prestige favorites.
—Gabrielle Fonrouge, CNBC, 6 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for prowess 
Dictionary Entries Near prowess
Cite this Entry
“Prowess.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prowess. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.
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prowess
noun
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