protégé

noun

pro·​té·​gé ˈprō-tə-ˌzhā How to pronounce protégé (audio)
ˌprō-tə-ˈzhā
Synonyms of protégénext
: one who is protected or trained or whose career is furthered by a person of experience, prominence, or influence

Examples of protégé in a Sentence

He was a protégé of the great composer.
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.
Her youthful protege, 30-year-old Bardella, has been RN’s official leader since 2022 and is seen as having helped to distance the party from the toxic views of its founder and boost its appeal with younger voters. Melissa Bell, CNN Money, 7 July 2026 Le Pen went straight to her party’s office From the courthouse, Le Pen went to the National Rally’s headquarters in Paris, where her protege Jordan Bardella was seen earlier in the day. Sylvie Corbet, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026 If not, Jordan Bardella, her 30-year-old protege and president of the National Rally party, would replace her on the ballot. ABC News, 6 July 2026 Minasian is a former Rangers clubhouse attendant who rose to positions in the front offices of the Atlanta Braves and the Toronto Blue Jays as a protege of Alex Anthopoulos. CBS News, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for protégé

Word History

Etymology

French, from past participle of protéger to protect, from Middle French, from Latin protegere

First Known Use

1786, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of protégé was in 1786

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Protégé.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prot%C3%A9g%C3%A9. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

protégé

noun
: a person under the care or training of someone influential especially for the furthering of his or her career
Etymology

French, from protéger "to protect"

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