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Added 9 October 2026

prize

/ˈpɹaɪ̯z/ noun

In Latin: praemium Wiktionary

noun Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about prize at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

Something given for victory or superiority in a contest or competition or for winning a lottery.
the prize was a free trip to Europe
Goods or money obtained illegally.
Something given as a token of victory.

verb

Hold dear.
I prize these old photographs
To move or force, especially in an effort to get something open.
The burglar jimmied the lock
Regard highly; think much of.
I respect his judgement

adjective

Of superior grade.
choice wines

Origin

From Middle English prise, from Old French prise (“a taking, capture, a seizure, a thing seized, a prize, booty, also hold, purchase”), past participle of prendre (“to take, to capture”), from Latin prēndere (“to take, seize”); see prehend. Compare prison, apprise, comprise, enterprise, purprise, reprisal, surprise, etc. Doublet of prise.

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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