What does wunderkind mean?
A wunderkind is a child or young person whose abilities are so exceptional that they inspire amazement and admiration. The word is especially associated with precocious achievement in music, mathematics, science, or another demanding field, although it can refer to any remarkable young talent. Its use conveys admiration for the contrast between the person’s youth and the significance or maturity of their accomplishments. Sometimes the term is used somewhat more broadly to describe an exceptionally gifted young person, whether or not they are still technically a child. Borrowed from German, the word combines the ideas of “wonder” and “child,” making its meaning memorable and its history transparent. In contemporary English, it is usually a noun and is commonly paired with terms such as “musical” or “young.”
nounA child or young person with exceptional talent or ability, especially in music, science, or another demanding field. The term may also refer more broadly to an exceptionally gifted young person whose achievements seem remarkable.
- A child or young person with exceptional talents or abilities.
- A remarkably gifted young person whose achievements are regarded as extraordinary.
"The young violinist was hailed as a wunderkind after her acclaimed debut performance."
"At sixteen, she was already a mathematical wunderkind."
"The article portrayed the young entrepreneur as a wunderkind whose success had come remarkably early."
The regular plural is wunderkinds.
"The festival has produced several wunderkinds over the years."
Wunderkind literally means “wonder child”: it celebrates a young person whose talent appears to surpass what anyone would expect.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of wunderkind
The word comes from German Wunderkind, a compound formed from Wunder, meaning “wonder” or “miracle,” and Kind, meaning “child.” It was borrowed into English in the 19th century in the sense of an exceptionally gifted child. English cognates such as wonder, wondrous, and kind reflect the shared Germanic roots, while the German compound itself preserves the original idea of a “wonder child.”
How wunderkind is actually used
Generally used for a child or young person with an exceptional gift. It often carries a note of admiration or astonishment and may be applied to achievement in the arts, academics, science, or other demanding fields. In modern usage, it can sometimes be used more broadly for a gifted young adult.