prophecy

noun

proph·​e·​cy ˈprä-fə-sē How to pronounce prophecy (audio)
variants or less commonly prophesy
plural prophecies also prophesies
1
: an inspired utterance of a prophet
2
: the function or vocation of a prophet
specifically : the inspired declaration of divine will and purpose
3
: a prediction of something to come

Examples of prophecy in a Sentence

The prophecies of the author have all come true. She has the gift of prophecy.
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.
The book’s horrors—climate catastrophe, internment camps, genocidal wars, high-tech surveillance—are too familiar to serve as prophecy. Adam Begley, The Atlantic, 4 Feb. 2025 Two other women, Tammy Woods and Terry Hartley, later came forward and said Bickle used a nearly identical prophecy in grooming them. Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 4 Feb. 2025 In a society that favors a patriarchal breadwinner over one who can’t even sire a child, who can’t fulfill filial prophecy because of his own emotional stuntedness, Ali is an overall feckless man by society’s standards. Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 25 Jan. 2025 Charismatic Christian nationalists tend to use the language of prophecy and demonic possession amid calls for God’s direct and immediate intervention in society. Liam Adams, USA TODAY, 13 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for prophecy 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English prophecie, prophesie, borrowed from Anglo-French, borrowed from Late Latin prophētīa, borrowed from Greek prophēteía "gift of interpreting the will of the gods, interpretation of a god's will," (New Testament) "gift of speaking, preaching and expounding scripture under the Holy Spirit's influence," from prophḗtēs prophet + -ia -ia entry 1

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of prophecy was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near prophecy

Cite this Entry

“Prophecy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prophecy. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

prophecy

noun
proph·​e·​cy ˈpräf-ə-sē How to pronounce prophecy (audio)
plural prophecies
1
: the sayings of a prophet
2
: the foretelling of the future
the gift of prophecy
3
: something foretold : prediction

More from Merriam-Webster on prophecy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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