prodigy

[ prod-i-jee ]

noun

, plural prod·i·gies.

1. a person, especially a child or young person, having extraordinary talent or ability:

   a musical prodigy.

2. a marvelous example (usually followed by of ).
3. something wonderful or marvelous; a wonder.
4. something abnormal or monstrous.
5. Archaic. something extraordinary regarded as of prophetic significance.

prodigy

/ ˈprɒdɪdʒɪ /

noun

1. a person, esp a child, of unusual or marvellous talents
2. anything that is a cause of wonder and amazement
3. something monstrous or abnormal
4. an archaic word for omen

Word History and Origins

Origin of prodigy¹

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English prodige, from Latin prōdigium “prophetic sign”

Word History and Origins

Origin of prodigy¹

C16: from Latin prōdigium an unnatural happening, from pro- ¹+ -igium, probably from āio I say

Example Sentences

A Russian software company has invited a seven-year-old coding prodigy to join its management team, as soon as he is old enough to take up paid employment.

From BBC

Jiang's results turned her into an overnight sensation, and she was labelled a "prodigy" in the press and on social media.

From BBC

While Robinson was a union novice, Suaalii was a prodigy in the code.

From BBC

They talk about a young teenager who had a love of fashion, was into Nirvana and the Prodigy and was keen to go to university.

From BBC

The core group includes the rebellious but highly competent Beckett Mariner, the over-eager and by-the-books Brad Boimler, the optimistic space pirate-turned-science enthusiast D’Vana Tendi and the happy-go-lucky engineering prodigy Sam Rutherford.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• genius
• sensation
• whiz
• wizard
• wunderkind