prophetess

[ prof-i-tis ]

noun

1. a woman who speaks for God or a deity, or by divine inspiration.
2. a woman who foretells future events.
3. a woman who is aspokesperson of some doctrine, cause, or movement.
4. the wife or female companion of a prophet.

Gender Note

See -ess.

Word History and Origins

Origin of prophetess¹

1250–1300; Middle English prophetesse < Old French < Late Latin prophētissa. See prophet, -ess

Example Sentences

To whom the prophetess, seeing his neck now bristle with horrid snakes, flings a soporific cake of honey and medicated grain.

From Project Gutenberg

Erythræ was the native place of the Sibyl, an ancient inspired prophetess.

From Project Gutenberg

We were halted in front of one of the "pyes," and directly opposite the house of the prophetess.

From Project Gutenberg

We were conducted, through an inconsiderable place, to the town where the prophetess resided.

From Project Gutenberg

Their prophetess had been duly consulted, and the assistance of their divinity had been implored with great formality.

From Project Gutenberg