wunderkind
Say it: VUN-duh-kind /ˈvʊndəkɪnd/ · noun
What “wunderkind” means
Someone who achieves remarkable success at a very young age.
More precisely: A person who achieves great success very young.
Example: “The coding wunderkind sold her first app at nineteen.”
When to use it
For an unusually successful young talent in music, business or another field, usually with admiration.
Memory trick
German Wunder means wonder and Kind means child: a child who amazes people.
Similar words
prodigy, whizz-kid, genius
Where it comes from
German Wunder 'wonder' and Kind 'child'.
Quick check
At twelve, a pianist wins a major international competition against experienced adults. Reviewers might call her…
an apprentice or a wunderkind?
Show the answer
a wunderkind
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