prompt

SayPROMPTUS/pɹɑmpt/UK/pɹɒmpt/

Verbprompts, prompting, prompted

Noun pluralprompts

14 meanings of prompt

Practice

1
causeverbtransitive
To start something or make it happen.
Like a spark that starts a fire.
The new policy prompted a wave of complaints.
Rising prices prompt many families to cut back.
UsageSay prompt someone to do something.
Similarprovoke, motivate, drive, incite, induce
Oppositeprevent, deter, inhibit
2
quickadjective
Quick to act, without waiting or delay.
Like answering the door the second someone knocks.
We got a prompt reply to our question.
Her prompt action stopped the problem from getting worse.
UsageSay a prompt reply; the adverb is promptly.
Similarhasty
Oppositeslow, delayed, belated, tardy
3
ask (computer)verbtransitive
To ask a computer user to type something or make a choice.
Like a sign asking you to type your name before you go on.
The app prompted her to update her password.
The program will prompt you before it closes.
UsageThe app prompts you to do something.
Similarask, invite, remind, request
4
screen messagenouncountable
The mark or symbols on a screen that show a computer is ready for you to type.
Like a light that turns on to show a machine is ready.
The command prompt blinked, waiting for her to type.
He typed the file name at the prompt.
UsageType at the prompt.
Note
5
writing ideanouncountable
An idea or topic given to help a writer start writing.
Like a seed that helps a story grow.
The workshop gave each student a prompt to spark a short story.
Today's writing prompt asked us to describe a childhood memory.
UsageSay a writing prompt.
Similartopic, theme, stimulus
Note
6
verbtransitive
To help someone speak or act by asking a question or suggesting what to say or do.
Like quietly helping a friend find the right words.
If you forget the next step in the recipe, I will prompt you.
Coaches often prompt players to think about their positioning.
UsageSay prompt someone to answer.
Similarencourage, cue, coax, nudge, urge

Less common meanings

7
text for AInouncountable
The words you type to tell an AI what to make or answer.
Like giving clear directions so a driver takes you where you want to go.
She refined her prompt until the chatbot gave a useful answer.
A clear prompt produces better images from the model.
UsageSay write a prompt.
Similarquery, instruction, request, input
Note
8
instruct AIverbtransitive
To type words into an AI so it makes something for you.
Like telling a cook exactly what dish you want them to make.
She prompted the model to summarize the long report.
Researchers prompt the system with detailed instructions.
UsageSay prompt the AI to write something.
Similarinstruct, ask, query, direct
Note
9
on timeadjective
Arriving or happening at the right time.
Like a bus that always arrives right on time.
She is always prompt for our weekly meetings.
Guests are expected to be prompt for the dinner.
UsageSay be prompt, or start promptly at nine.
Similarpunctual, timely
Oppositelate, tardy, unpunctual
10
whispered linenouncountable
A word or line told quietly to an actor who forgets what to say.
Like a friend quietly reminding you of words you forgot.
The actor froze until a quick prompt from the side of the stage saved the scene.
She gave the forgetful lead a soft prompt.
Similarcue, reminder
Note
11
remind (actor)verbtransitive
To tell an actor or speaker the words or actions they should do.
Like a coach calling out the next move during a game.
The director prompted the actor whenever he lost his place.
Stage managers prompt performers from just offstage.
UsageYou prompt the actor.
Similarcue, remind
Note
12
adjectivearchaic
Ready and willing to act right away.
Tell him, I am prompt / To lay my Crowne at's feete, and there to kneele.
1623, William Shakespeare, Antony & CleopatraHere, prompt means ready and eager.
Note
13
noundatedcountable
The set length of time allowed to pay for goods that were bought.
To cover any probable difference of price which might arise before the expiration of the prompt, which for this article [tea] is three months.
1848, John Stuart Mill, Principles of Political Economy: With Some of Their Applications to Social Philosophy.Here, prompt means the time allowed to pay for goods.
Note
14
adjective
Nearest in time for delivery, used in buying and selling goods for the future.

Practice

Can you tell the meanings of prompt apart? Answer 3 quick questions from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.

Origin

The adjective comes from Latin promptus, meaning 'visible' or 'ready', from a verb meaning 'to bring out'. The verb probably came from the adjective, and the noun from the verb.

Checked 1 Nov 2026 · 3 facts

The adjective ultimately derives from Latin promptus. en.wiktionary.org
Latin promptus means 'visible' or 'ready'. en.wiktionary.org
Promptus derives from a verb meaning 'to bring out'. en.wiktionary.org