wunderkind

noun

wun·​der·​kind ˈvu̇n-dər-ˌkint How to pronounce wunderkind (audio)
plural wunderkinder ˈvu̇n-dər-ˌkin-dər How to pronounce wunderkind (audio)
: a child prodigy
also : one who succeeds in a competitive or highly difficult field or profession at an early age

Examples of wunderkind 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.
The young wunderkind started out as an intern at the company before rising through the ranks. — Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 12 June 2026 But that doesn’t mean that the World Cup wunderkind hype machine has been irrevocably shut down. — Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 12 June 2026 The former wunderkind’s only major victory was at the Open in 2014, and the 36-year-old mother of two used her final year of exemption for a spot in this field. — ABC News, 3 June 2026 Spieth was one year removed from his third major victory at age 24, and Brown was 10, gazing up at his golfing idol in awe — the wunderkind speaking to a soon-to-be sensation in his own right. — Gabby Herzig, New York Times, 2 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for wunderkind

Word History

Etymology

German, from Wunder wonder + Kind child

First Known Use

1873, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of wunderkind was in 1873

Browse Nearby Words

wunderbar
wunderkind
Wundt
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Wunderkind.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wunderkind. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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