English · Word Candidate

prose

/ˈpɹəʊz/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: proses · prosing · prosed

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Language, particularly written language, not intended as poetry.

Noun

Examples

Though known mostly for her prose, she also produced a small body of excellent poems.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

Language which evinces little imagination or animation; dull and commonplace discourse.

Noun

Examples

...the vehicle is plodding prose, but the effect is none the less poignant. And in regard to this I may say that in a hundred places in Trollope the extremity of pathos is reached by the homeliest means.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

To write or repeat in a dull, tedious, or prosy way.

Verb

Examples

Pray, do not prose, good Ethelbert, but speak; What is your purpose?

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “prose” mean?

Language, particularly written language, not intended as poetry.

Is “prose” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.