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talent

noun
tal·​ent | \ ˈta-lənt How to pronounce talent (audio) \

Definition of talent

1a : a special often athletic, creative, or artistic aptitude
b : general intelligence or mental power : ability
2 : the natural endowments of a person
3 : a person of talent or a group of persons of talent in a field or activity
4a : any of several ancient units of weight
b : a unit of value equal to the value of a talent of gold or silver
5 archaic : a characteristic feature, aptitude, or disposition of a person or animal
Other Words from talent Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym Example Sentences Learn More about talent

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Other Words from talent

talented \ ˈta-​lən-​təd How to pronounce talented (audio) \ adjective
talentless \ ˈta-​lənt-​ləs How to pronounce talentless (audio) \ adjective

Choose the Right Synonym for talent

gift, faculty, aptitude, bent, talent, genius, knack mean a special ability for doing something. gift often implies special favor by God or nature. the gift of singing beautifully faculty applies to an innate or less often acquired ability for a particular accomplishment or function. a faculty for remembering names aptitude implies a natural liking for some activity and the likelihood of success in it. a mechanical aptitude bent is nearly equal to aptitude but it stresses inclination perhaps more than specific ability. a family with an artistic bent talent suggests a marked natural ability that needs to be developed. has enough talent to succeed genius suggests impressive inborn creative ability. has no great genius for poetry knack implies a comparatively minor but special ability making for ease and dexterity in performance. the knack of getting along

Examples of talent in a Sentence

a singer with an enormous amount of talent I have no musical talent. Her artistic talent has been obvious ever since she was a child. They sang a duet in the talent show . She has a job that makes the most of her talents. His experience, skills, and talents make him perfectly suited for the job. There are many good players on the team, but she's a special talent. The company has hired some expensive legal talent for the trial. The team has recruited some of the best talent around. The company is doing a talent search to find the right person for the job.
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Recent Examples on the Web

 The personnel department entered 2018 with a plan that included marshaling resources to sign the former Defensive Player of the Year to a contract befitting his generational talent. — Jenny Vrentas And Greg Bishop, SI.com, "The Raiders Are Jon Gruden’s Show Now," 6 Sep. 2019 However, African Americans are not stakeholders at predominantly white universities and corporations that profit from our talent. — Jemele Hill, The Atlantic, "It’s Time for Black Athletes to Leave White Colleges," 5 Sep. 2019 Sheldon was truly loved by many for his integrity, intelligence, generosity, his direct manner, welcoming smile, and his special talent of making people feel his interest, attention, and love. — sun-sentinel.com, "Deaths in South Florida: 9/4," 4 Sep. 2019 Rumors have circulated regarding Awkwafina possibly lending her voice talent to the role of Scuttle, but that's also not confirmed. — Lauren Rearick, Teen Vogue, "Christian Navarro of “13 Reasons Why” Said He’s Reportedly Trying Out for the Role of Prince Eric in “The Little Mermaid”," 4 Sep. 2019 This year’s team is gaining consistency and confidence to accompany its talent. — Jack Marrion, Houston Chronicle, "Young Awty International volleyball team gearing up for SPC debut," 3 Sep. 2019 The Influencer on the Streets: Shirley Raines Founder of Beauty 2 the Streetz In 2016, Raines realized her talent for makeup could be used to lift the spirits of the homeless women on Skid Row in Los Angeles. — Hana Hong, Marie Claire, "25 People Changing the Beauty Industry," 3 Sep. 2019 From 2013-2018, Harper lent her voice talents to different characters on The Simpsons. — Lauren Huff, EW.com, "Ed Asner, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Topher Grace, and more pay tribute to Valerie Harper," 31 Aug. 2019 Her prodigious talent has been a bright spot for U.S.A. Gymnastics, an organization that is otherwise in turmoil. — Jacey Fortin, New York Times, "Tevin Biles-Thomas, Brother of U.S. Gymnast, Is Charged in a Triple Murder," 30 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'talent.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of talent

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 4a

History and Etymology for talent

Middle English, from Old English talente, from Latin talenta, plural of talentum unit of weight or money, from Greek talanton pan of a scale, weight; akin to Greek tlēnai to bear; in senses 3–5, from the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14–30 — more at tolerate

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More Definitions for talent

talent

noun
How to pronounce talent (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of talent

: a special ability that allows someone to do something well
: a person or group of people with a special ability to do something well : a talented person or group
British slang : people who are sexually attractive

See the full definition for talent in the English Language Learners Dictionary

talent

noun
tal·​ent | \ ˈta-lənt How to pronounce talent (audio) \

Kids Definition of talent

1 : unusual natural ability … Toby had a special talent for getting people off the hook by making the teacher laugh.— Zilpha Keatley Snyder, The Egypt Game
2 : a special often creative or artistic ability
3 : a person or group of people having special ability

Other Words from talent

talented \ ˈta-​lən-​təd \ adjective

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