What does prizewinning mean?
Prizewinning is an adjective describing a person, work, achievement, or organization that has won a prize. It is commonly found before nouns such as novel, film, author, performance, design, or research, where it signals recognition from a jury or other awarding body. The term is often strongly laudatory: it may imply not merely that a prize was received but that the recipient was selected because of excellence, originality, achievement, or widespread acclaim. In editorial and promotional contexts, “prize-winning” is frequently used to give authority and attention to a subject. The word is particularly common in British and American coverage of the arts, literature, science, and entertainment. Although most often attributive, it can also stand alone in constructions such as “the film was prizewinning,” though a phrase such as “the film won several awards” may sound more direct.
adjectiveHaving won a prize or prizes, especially a person, work, or achievement distinguished by such recognition.
- Having won a prize or prizes, especially as a mark of excellence, achievement, or recognition.
"The prizewinning novel became an unexpected international bestseller."
"Her prizewinning research transformed the treatment of a rare disease."
"The restaurant became famous for its prizewinning chef and distinctive seasonal menu."
A prizewinning achievement carries the authority of the prize itself.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of prizewinning
Prizewinning is a transparent English compound formed from prize and winning. Prize comes through Old French pris from Latin praemium, meaning a reward or booty, while win belongs to the Germanic word family represented by Old English winnan, meaning to contend or strive. The compound developed in modern English as an attributive expression for a person, work, or achievement that had received a prize or awards.
Related word forms
How prizewinning is actually used
Prizewinning is usually used attributively before a noun and may be written as “prize-winning” in styles that hyphenate compound modifiers. It is especially common in journalism, arts, literature, science, and entertainment. When used before a person's name or profession, it carries a strongly laudatory implication.
Easily confused with prizewinning
Prizewinner is a noun for a person or thing that has won a prize, whereas prizewinning is an adjective describing that person, thing, or achievement.