# protege

/ˈpɹoʊtəˌʒeɪ/ (US) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/protege
Updated: 2026-05-31

## Definition

a young person who is being trained or supported by an older, more experienced person. This person usually has a lot of talent and is learning from a famous or powerful mentor.

For teachers: a person who is being trained or supported by a more experienced or influential person. Often implies a formal or semi-formal relationship where the mentor provides guidance and resources to the younger individual.

## Examples

- The famous scientist took the young researcher as his protege.
- After winning the national poetry prize, the teenager became the protege of a well-known literary agent.
- The mentorship between the two architects lasted decades, with the younger man eventually becoming a protege whose innovative designs would redefine the city's skyline.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.