polymath

noun

poly·​math ˈpä-lē-ˌmath How to pronounce polymath (audio)
: a person of encyclopedic learning
polymath adjective
or polymathic

Examples of polymath in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Even during his glittering publishing career at i-D, W, and the American, Italian and British editions of Vogue, the fashion polymath remained a stylist and consultant — staging runway shows and even directing a film — such was his London fashion-world reknown. Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025 The British polymath Lewis Fry Richardson was the first to try his hand at using the laws of physics to model the weather system. Zack Savitsky, Quanta Magazine, 15 Sep. 2025 Besides practicing writing, Estelle’s teen years started her journey to becoming a polymath. Literary Hub, 19 Aug. 2025 In many ways, the life of a podcast polymath is way easier than that of a late-night host. Bethy Squires, Vulture, 15 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for polymath

Word History

Etymology

Greek polymathēs very learned, from poly- + manthanein to learn — more at mathematical

First Known Use

1621, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of polymath was in 1621

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Polymath.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polymath. Accessed 19 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on polymath

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!