Word forms: plural, 3rd person singular presenttense prizes, present participle prizing, past tense, past participle prizedlanguage note: The spelling prise is also used in British English for meanings [sense 5] and , [sense 6].
1. countable noun
A prize is money or something valuable that is given to someone who has the best results in a competition or game, or as a reward for doing good work.
You must claim your prize by phoning our claims line.
He won first prize at the Leeds Piano Competition.
He was awarded the Nobel Prize for Physics in 1985.
They were going all out for the prize-money, £6,500 for the winning team.
Synonyms: reward, cup, award, honour More Synonyms of prize
2. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]
You use prize to describe things that are of such good quality that they win prizes or deserve to win prizes.
...a prize bull.
...prize blooms.
3. countable noun
You can refer to someone or something as a prize when people consider them to be of great value or importance.
With no lands of his own, he was no great matrimonial prize.
4. verb [usually passive]
Something that is prized is wanted and admired because it is considered to be very valuable or very good quality.
Military figures, made out of lead are prized by collectors. [beVERB-ed]
His Fender Stratocaster remains one of his most prized possessions. [VERB-ed]
5. verb
If you prize something open or prize it away from a surface, you force it to open or force it to come away from the surface.
[mainly British]
He tried to prize the dog's mouth open. [VERB noun with adjective]
I prised off the metal rim surrounding one of the dials. [VERB noun with adverb]
He held on tight but she prised it from his fingers. [V n + out of/from]
regional note: in AM, usually use pry
6. verb
If you prize something such as information out of someone, you persuade them to tell you although they may be very unwilling to.
[mainly British]
Alison and I had to prize conversation out of him. [V n + out of]
[Also V n with out]regional note: in AM, usually use pry
More Synonyms of prize
prize in British English1
(praɪz)
noun
1.
a.
a reward or honour for victory or for having won a contest, competition, etc
b.
(as modifier)
prize jockey
prize essay
2.
something given to the winner of any game of chance, lottery, etc
3.
something striven for
4.
any valuable property captured in time of war, esp a vessel
Word origin
C14: from Old French prise a capture, from Latin prehendere to seize; influenced also by Middle English prise reward; see price
prize in British English2
(praɪz)
verb
(transitive)
to esteem greatly; value highly
Word origin
C15 prise, from Old French preisier to praise
prize in British English3
(praɪz)
verb, noun
a variant spelling of prise
prize in American English1
(praɪz)
verb transitiveWord forms: prized or ˈprizing
1. Obsolete
to set a value upon; price
2.
to value highly; esteem
noun
3.
something offered or given to the winner of a contest
4.
something won in a game of chance, lottery, etc.
5.
a reward, premium, or the like
6.
anything worth striving for; any enviable or highly valued possession
7. Archaic
a contest or match
adjective
8.
that has received a prize
a prize novel
9.
worthy of a prize; first-rate
10.
given as a prize
SIMILAR WORDS: apˈpreciˌate, reˈward
Word origin
ME pris: see price
prize in American English2
(praɪz)
noun
1. Obsolete
the act of capturing
2.
something taken by force; esp., a captured enemy ship and its cargo
3. Dialectal
a.
a tool for prying; lever
b.
leverage
verb transitiveWord forms: prized or ˈprizing
4.
to pry, as with a lever
SIMILAR WORDS: spoil
Word origin
ME prise, a taking hold < OFr, a taking < fem. pp. of prendre, to take < L prehendere: see prehensile
Examples of 'prize' in a sentence
prize
Table six is the most highly prized.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
An independent mind is greatly to be prized in politics.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
Expert knowledge of foreign countries was highly prized.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
Applicants with such grades will be highly prized by universities.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
There was a glass marble at the top of the bottle which was much prized as marbles were at a premium.
Max Arthur Lost Voices of the Edwardians: 19011910 in the words of the Men & Women Who WereThere (2006)
They're often highly prized works that people are loath to part with.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
Theirs was a special, highly prized skill.
Kantrow, Alan M. The Constraints of Corporate Tradition (1987)
The fish are particularly prized in Japan for sushi and sashimi.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
Their own giant eggs are much prized as food in Iceland.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
Bearing, cultural knowledge and being socially adept are all skills prized by employers.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
Morecambe Bay brown shrimp are particularly prized.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
They are now highly prized in French restaurants.
Smith, Drew Food Watch (1994)
There are good reasons why Scandinavian drama is so highly prized.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
The goal of politeness emerged in 18th-century society and was highly prized.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
Evidently they were still highly prized 300 years after they were made.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
I had thought her some prized and valued bride the way you honor her.
Kathleen E. Woodiwiss THE WOLF AND THE DOVE
It had no styling at all but it was extremely well made, a feature much prized in the shires.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
They are highly prized in Europe.
Smith, Drew Food Watch (1994)
The can-do attitude of the military is greatly prized by politicians and a credit to the Services.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Wiltshire truffles are particularly prized and feature on the menus of some of Britain's best restaurants.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
The tiny'wild' ones are the most highly prized of all.
The Sun (2013)
There is a culture of respect and recognition, and there is training specifically on teamwork, a quality prized by the company.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
In other languages
prize
British English: prize /praɪz/ NOUN
A prize is something valuable, such as money or a trophy, that is given to the winner of a game or competition.
He won first prize.
American English: prize
Arabic: جَائِزَة
Brazilian Portuguese: prêmio
Chinese: 奖赏
Croatian: nagrada
Czech: cena odměna
Danish: præmie
Dutch: prijs beloning
European Spanish: premio
Finnish: palkinto voitettu
French: prix concours
German: Preis Gewinn
Greek: έπαθλο
Italian: premio
Japanese: 賞
Korean: 상
Norwegian: premie
Polish: nagroda
European Portuguese: prémio
Romanian: premiu
Russian: приз
Latin American Spanish: premio
Swedish: pris
Thai: รางวัล
Turkish: ödül
Ukrainian: приз
Vietnamese: giải thưởng
British English: prize VERB
Something that is prized is wanted and admired because it is considered to be very valuable or very good quality.
Military figures, made out of lead are prized by collectors.
American English: prize
Brazilian Portuguese: valorizar
Chinese: 青睐
European Spanish: apreciar
French: priser
German: schätzen
Italian: valutare
Japanese: 尊重する
Korean: 귀하게 여겨지다
European Portuguese: valorizar
Latin American Spanish: apreciar
All related terms of 'prize'
prize day
a day when prizes are rewarded to pupils who have produced a very high standard of work
booby prize
The booby prize is a prize given as a joke to the person who comes last in a competition.
cash prize
a prize in a competition that takes the form of money
door prize
a prize given by lottery to one or more of those attending some public function
Nobel prize
A Nobel Prize is one of a set of prizes that are awarded each year to people who have done important work in science , literature, or economics, or for world peace.
prize court
a court having jurisdiction to determine how property captured at sea in wartime is to be distributed
prize draw
a raffle or lottery
prize fight
A prize fight is a boxing match where the boxers are paid to fight, especially one that is not official.
prize list
a list of winners of a prize or prizes
prize money
any money offered , paid, or received as a prize
prize ring
the enclosed area or ring used by prizefighters
star prize
The star prize in a competition is the most valuable prize.
Booker Prize
→ the former name for Man Booker Prize
prize fighter
A prize fighter is a boxer who fights to win money.
prize-giving
A prize-giving is a ceremony where prizes are awarded to people who have produced a very high standard of work.
Archibald prize
an annual prize awarded by the Trustees of the Art Gallery of New South Wales since 1921, for outstanding contributions to art, letters, science, and politics
Pulitzer prize
one of a group of prizes established by Joseph Pulitzer and awarded yearly since 1917 for excellence in American journalism , literature , and music
consolation prize
A consolation prize is a small prize which is given to a person who fails to win a competition .
the prize ring
the sport of prizefighting
Man Booker Prize
an annual prize for a work of Commonwealth or Irish fiction of £50,000, awarded as the Booker Prize from 1969–2002
Chinese translation of 'prize'
prize
(praɪz)
n(c)
(in competition, sport) 奖(獎) (jiǎng) (个(個), gè)
(Scol, Univ, for achievement) 奖(獎)励(勵) (jiǎnglì) (项, xiàng)
adj
一流的 (yīliú de)
vt
珍藏 (zhēncáng)
1 (noun)
Definition
something of value, such as a trophy, given to the winner of a contest or game
He won a prize in the Leeds Piano Competition.
Synonyms
reward
They last night offered a £10,000 reward.
cup
First prize is a silver cup and a scroll.
award
She presented a bravery award to the schoolgirl.
honour
He was showered with honours - among them an Oscar in 1950.
premium
Shareholders did not receive a premium on the price of their shares.
medal
a gold medal
trophy
They could win a trophy this year.
accolade
the ultimate accolade in the sciences
2 (noun)
Definition
something given to the winner of any game of chance, lottery, etc.
A single winner is in line for the jackpot prize.
Synonyms
winnings
haul
jackpot
the biggest ever jackpot of more than £5 million
stakes
purse
She is tipped to win the biggest purse in women's pro volleyball history.
windfall
Finding an old computer game in your loft could result in an unexpected windfall.
3 (noun)
Definition
something striven for
A settlement of the dispute would be a great prize.
Synonyms
goal
The goal is to raise as much money as possible.
hope
Kevin hasn't given up hope of being fit.
gain
aim
a research programme that has failed to achieve its aim
desire
I had a strong desire to help and care for people.
ambition
My ambition is to sail round the world.
conquest
She threw a party at her home to show off her latest conquest.
Holy Grail (informal)
4 (noun)
Synonyms
booty
Troops confiscated many works of art as war booty.
capture
trophy
lines of stuffed animal heads, trophies of his hunting hobby
spoil(s)
loot
They steal in order to sell their loot for cash.
plunder
Pirates swarmed the seas in search of easy plunder.
pickings
pillage
(modifier)
Definition
winning or likely to win a prize
a prize bull
Synonyms
champion
best
winning
top
outstanding
award-winning
first-rate
top-notch (informal)
(verb)
Definition
to value highly
These items are greatly prized by collectors.
Synonyms
value
Do you value your best friend enough?
appreciate
Anyone can appreciate our music.
treasure
She treasures her memories of those joyous days.
esteem
a scholar whom he highly esteemed
cherish
I will cherish the memory of that visit for many years to come.
hold dear
regard highly
set store by
see prise
Additional synonyms
in the sense of accolade
Definition
an award, praise, or honour
the ultimate accolade in the sciences
Synonyms
honour,
award,
recognition,
tribute
in the sense of aim
Definition
intention or purpose
a research programme that has failed to achieve its aim
Synonyms
intention,
end,
point,
plan,
course,
mark,
goal,
design,
target,
wish,
scheme,
purpose,
direction,
desire,
object,
objective,
ambition,
intent,
aspiration,
Holy Grail (informal)
in the sense of ambition
Definition
something so desired
My ambition is to sail round the world.
Synonyms
goal,
end,
hope,
design,
dream,
target,
aim,
wish,
purpose,
desire,
intention,
objective,
intent,
aspiration,
Holy Grail (informal)
Synonyms of 'prize'
prize
Explore 'prize' in the dictionary
Additional synonyms
in the sense of appreciate
Definition
to value highly
Anyone can appreciate our music.
Synonyms
enjoy,
like,
value,
regard,
respect,
prize,
admire,
treasure,
esteem,
relish,
cherish,
savour,
rate highly
in the sense of award
Definition
something awarded, such as a prize
She presented a bravery award to the schoolgirl.
Synonyms
prize,
gift,
trophy,
decoration,
grant,
bonsela (South Africa),
koha (New Zealand)
in the sense of cherish
Definition
to cling to (an idea or feeling)
I will cherish the memory of that visit for many years to come.
Synonyms
cling to,
prize,
treasure,
hold dear,
cleave to
in the sense of conquest
Definition
a person whose affections have been won
She threw a party at her home to show off her latest conquest.
Synonyms
catch,
prize,
supporter,
acquisition,
follower,
admirer,
worshipper,
adherent,
fan,
feather in your cap
in the sense of cup
Definition
a cup-shaped trophy awarded as a prize
First prize is a silver cup and a scroll.
Synonyms
trophy
in the sense of desire
Definition
a wish or longing
I had a strong desire to help and care for people.
Synonyms
wish,
want,
longing,
need,
hope,
urge,
yen (informal),
hunger,
appetite,
aspiration,
ache,
craving,
yearning,
inclination,
thirst,
hankering
in the sense of esteem
Definition
to have great respect or high regard for (someone)
a scholar whom he highly esteemed
Synonyms
respect,
admire,
think highly of,
like,
love,
value,
prize,
honour,
treasure,
cherish,
revere,
reverence,
be fond of,
venerate,
regard highly,
take off your hat to
in the sense of honour
Definition
great respect or esteem, or an outward sign of this
He was showered with honours - among them an Oscar in 1950.
Synonyms
title,
award,
distinction,
accolade,
decoration,
laurel,
adornment
in the sense of hope
Definition
a feeling of desire for something, usually with confidence in the possibility of its fulfilment
Kevin hasn't given up hope of being fit.
Synonyms
belief,
confidence,
expectation,
longing,
dream,
desire,
faith,
ambition,
assumption,
anticipation,
expectancy,
light at the end of the tunnel
in the sense of jackpot
Definition
the most valuable prize that can be won in a gambling game
the biggest ever jackpot of more than £5 million
Synonyms
prize,
winnings,
award,
pool,
reward,
pot,
kitty,
bonanza,
pot of gold at the end of the rainbow
Additional synonyms
in the sense of loot
Definition
goods stolen in wartime or during riots
They steal in order to sell their loot for cash.
Synonyms
plunder,
goods,
prize,
haul,
spoils,
booty,
swag (slang)
in the sense of medal
Definition
a small flat piece of metal bearing an inscription or image, given as an award or in commemoration of some outstanding event
a gold medal
Synonyms
decoration,
order,
award,
honour,
ribbon,
gong (British, informal)
in the sense of pillage
Definition
something obtained by pillaging
Synonyms
booty,
spoils,
loot,
plunder
in the sense of plunder
Definition
anything plundered
Pirates swarmed the seas in search of easy plunder.
Synonyms
loot,
spoils,
prey,
booty,
swag (slang),
ill-gotten gains
in the sense of premium
Definition
the amount above the usual value at which something sells
Shareholders did not receive a premium on the price of their shares.
Synonyms
bonus,
reward,
prize,
percentage (informal),
perk (British, informal),
boon,
bounty,
remuneration,
recompense,
perquisite (formal)
in the sense of purse
Definition
a sum of money that is offered as a prize
She is tipped to win the biggest purse in women's pro volleyball history.
Synonyms
prize,
winnings,
award,
gift,
reward
in the sense of treasure
Definition
to cherish (someone or something)
She treasures her memories of those joyous days.
Synonyms
prize,
value,
worship,
esteem,
adore,
cherish,
revere,
venerate,
hold dear,
love,
idolize,
set great store by,
dote upon,
place great value on
in the sense of trophy
Definition
a cup, shield, etc., given as a prize
They could win a trophy this year.
Synonyms
prize,
cup,
award,
bays,
laurels
in the sense of trophy
Definition
a memento of success, esp. one taken in war or hunting
lines of stuffed animal heads, trophies of his hunting hobby
Synonyms
souvenir,
spoils,
relic,
memento,
booty,
keepsake
in the sense of windfall
Definition
a piece of unexpected good fortune, esp. financial gain
Finding an old computer game in your loft could result in an unexpected windfall.