polymath

noun

poly·​math ˈpä-lē-ˌmath How to pronounce polymath (audio)
: a person of encyclopedic learning
polymath adjective
or polymathic

Examples of polymath in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Tell me more about Rhiannon Giddens. Giddens, who is breaking Beyoncé’s internet as Banjo Auntie, is known in other circles as a folk polymath often interested in projects spanning Black music history. Bethy Squires, Vulture, 29 Mar. 2024 The wandering nerve was apparent to the first anatomists, notably Galen, the Greek polymath who lived until around the year 216. R. Douglas Fields, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 Sep. 2024 Marci sent the manuscript to Kircher in Rome in 1665, hoping that the Jesuit scholar and polymath would be able to decipher it. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 9 Sep. 2024 Today, he might be called a polymath or a Renaissance man. Harriet Quick, theweek, 17 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for polymath 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'polymath.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Greek polymathēs very learned, from poly- + manthanein to learn — more at mathematical

First Known Use

1621, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of polymath was in 1621

Dictionary Entries Near polymath

Cite this Entry

“Polymath.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polymath. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

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