prowess

noun

prow·​ess ˈprau̇-əs 

 also  ˈprō-

1

: distinguished bravery

especially : military valor and skill

2

: extraordinary ability

his prowess on the football field

Did you know?

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.

Synonyms

• bottle [British slang]
• bravery
• courage
• courageousness
• daring
• daringness
• dauntlessness
• doughtiness
• fearlessness
• gallantry
• greatheartedness
• guts
• gutsiness
• hardihood
• heart
• heroism
• intestinal fortitude
• intrepidity
• intrepidness
• moxie
• nerve
• pecker [chiefly British]
• stoutness
• valor
• virtue

Examples of prowess in a Sentence

He is known for his prowess on the football field.

their naval and military prowess

Recent Examples on the Web

Developed by renowned hospitality company Method Co., this grandiose structure comes complete with a wellness center, boutique hotel and four unique drinking and dining concepts, each one acting as a tangible reminder of Atlanta’s culinary prowess. —Jared Ranahan, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024

In a provocative display of military prowess, North Korea declared on Friday that its latest intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test positions the nation at the forefront of global military power. —Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 1 Nov. 2024

Their hairstyling prowess brought the designer’s campaign to life with intricate up-dos to accentuate the complexities of the top But the world of hair always spoke to Oye’s soul long before becoming a brand founder. —Kerane Marcellus, Essence, 31 Oct. 2024

Along with showcasing his superstar prowess onstage, Usher has made nice on his promise to bring some marquee names to the party, enlisting performances by GloRilla, Big Sean, Keith Sweat, LL Cool J, Dougie Fresh, and many more. —Carl Lamarre, Billboard, 29 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English prouesse, from Anglo-French pruesse, prowesse, from prou

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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Kids Definition

prowess

noun

prow·​ess ˈprau̇-əs 

1

: great bravery especially in battle

2

: very great ability

athletic prowess