English Reference
adjective · noun

prominent

adj. · n.
US /ˈpɹɑmənənt/ UK /pɹˈɒmɪnənt/ prom·i·nent

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    adj.important, famous, or well-known by many people.

    adj.widely known, eminent, or distinguished within a particular field or society.

    Simple

    She is a prominent lawyer who often appears on the evening news.

    In context

    Several prominent scholars in the field of linguistics signed the open letter protesting the proposed budget cuts to the humanities department.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    adj.very easy to see or notice because of its size or position.

    adj.conspicuous or particularly noticeable due to physical placement or scale.

    Simple

    The shop has a prominent sign that you can see from the end of the street.

    In context

    The warning label must be placed in a prominent position on the packaging to ensure it is read before the product is opened.

  3. 03 C1 Advanced Formal

    adj.sticking out from a surface.

    adj.projecting or protuberant; physically extending beyond a surface or line.

    Simple

    He has a very prominent nose that makes him easy to recognise.

    In context

    The architect designed the building with prominent balconies that cast deep shadows across the glass facade during the afternoon.

    protrudingjutting
  4. 04 C2 Proficiency Technical Science

    n.a type of moth that has a small part sticking out on its wings.

    n.any of various moths belonging to the family Notodontidae, typically having a tuft of scales on the inner margin of the forewings.

    Simple

    The scientist identified the insect as a species of prominent moth.

    In context

    The collection included several rare specimens of the pebble prominent, noted for their remarkable camouflage against the bark of birch trees.

Usage prominent figures · particularly prominent · prominent feature

Newly disclosed records reveal the US government extensively spied on prominent leftwing organizations and on protesters as part of a vast operation into groups opposing the immigration crackdown in Minnesota earlier this year.

The Guardian· 13 Aug 2026

Prominent Republicans and others have falsely claimed this week that the shots are linked, despite years of data showing they are safe.

The New York Times· 13 Aug 2026

From obsolete French prominent (compare proéminent), from Latin prōminēns, present active participle of prōmineō (“jut out, to project”), from prō (“before, forward”) + mineō (in compounds, “jut, project”).

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Latin prōminēns
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Common
Updated